Buckle up, folks—this is a story every driver needs to hear. Turns out, automakers might be playing backseat driver with your data, allegedly tracking your every turn and then spilling the tea to insurance companies. The plot twist? Some drivers claim their premiums went up faster than their speedometers, all without proper consent. So much for “what happens in your car, stays in your car”!
“Keeping our customers’ data safe is a top priority” is corporate speak for “OOOPS We got CAUGHT and because we could get SUED by millions and potentially lose customers, we’ll MAYBE do something about it”
Ah, the early Chevy Chevelle – the car that looked like it spent weekends pumping iron and guzzling gasoline by the gallon, because who needs fuel efficiency when you’ve got muscle? Imagine a car that gets parked in front of a diner and instantly becomes the coolest thing on the block, leaving every other vehicle’s headlights green with envy.
The first Chevelle, born in 1964, was Chevrolet’s response to the muscle-car craze. It had the subtlety of a brass knuckle in a velvet glove. It came in various flavors: mild, spicy, and “don’t-try-to-drag-race-this-beast.” By the time the SS 396 rolled out in 1965, it had enough horsepower to launch a modest-sized boat… or at least enough to let everyone in a five-mile radius know it was nearby.
This was a car with a “don’t mess with me” front grille and a roar that said, “I may be going straight for now, but corners are for weaklings.” The steering had a mind of its own, and driving one was like arm-wrestling a bear on a caffeine high. But boy, did it look good while it did it. The Chevelle was ruggedly handsome with chrome for days and a stance that said, “I may be mid-sized, but I’ve got big ambitions.”
And yes, the early Chevelle wasn’t built to handle like a European sports car or win any eco-friendly awards, but if you were looking to have a blast at the stoplight and wake up the entire neighborhood on a Sunday morning, the Chevelle was your ticket to horsepower heaven.
Like any business, there are good days and bad days. And this particular day was not so great. Lots of changing objectives, difficult phone calls, and other complex situations lead to some stress. But ultimately, it’s part of making it work.
We bought a MK7 Golf R with 246,000 miles on it! This car was sold to us for $2,500 dollars because the engine was blown up. In our last episode, we ripped the engine out of the car, and made a step by step process so you could follow along! Now we are ready to teardown this engine.
The MK7 Golf R is like the quiet kid in school who turns out to be a martial arts prodigy—understated, but with a hidden talent for speed and precision. With a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine cranking out 292 horsepower and paired with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, this hot hatch can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. It handles like it’s on rails, thanks to its well-balanced chassis and adaptive suspension. The Golf R takes the everyday practicality of the regular Golf, throws in a heap of performance, and creates a sleeper car that can hang with far more expensive sports cars, all while carrying your groceries in the back.
Inside, it maintains the classy, restrained vibe VW is known for, with high-quality materials and intuitive controls. The cabin is driver-focused without feeling overwhelming, and the digital display and infotainment system add a touch of modern tech. It’s comfortable enough for daily commutes, but the moment you push that throttle, it reminds you it’s much more than just a sensible hatchback. The MK7 Golf R is the perfect blend of stealth and sport, ideal for those who want blistering performance without drawing too much attention—until they leave you in the dust at a stoplight.
Join me for Part 2 of my cross-America road trip in my 2002 Porsche Boxster S! In this episode, I deal with the battery/alternator issue and head in to the desert.
The 2002 Porsche Boxster S, while a fantastic sports car, isn’t without its quirks and issues. Some of the most common problems include:
1. **IMS (Intermediate Shaft) Bearing Failure**: This is the most infamous issue with older Boxsters, including the 2002 model. The IMS bearing supports the intermediate shaft that drives the camshafts, and when it fails, it can lead to catastrophic engine damage. While not every car suffers from this, it’s a well-known risk that can lead to engine failure if not addressed.
2. **Rear Main Seal (RMS) Leaks**: Another common issue is oil leaking from the rear main seal. This can lead to messy oil drips and, if left unchecked, more serious engine issues over time. The fix typically involves removing the transmission, making it a labor-intensive repair.
3. **Convertible Top Mechanism Failure**: The Boxster’s soft top mechanism is known to have problems over time, particularly with the motor and cables that operate the top. If the top becomes slow or stops working altogether, it’s usually due to wear and tear on these parts.
4. **Coolant Tank Leaks**: The plastic coolant expansion tank in the Boxster S is prone to cracking, leading to coolant leaks. This is often tricky to detect right away and can result in overheating if not repaired promptly.
5. **Suspension Wear**: Due to the sporty nature of the Boxster, suspension components, particularly the control arm bushings and drop links, can wear out faster than in a typical car. This leads to clunking noises, reduced handling performance, and the need for replacement parts.
6. **Clutch Wear**: The clutch in manual transmission models tends to wear out relatively quickly, especially if the car has been driven aggressively. Replacing the clutch can be a costly job.
Despite these issues, many owners still find the 2002 Boxster S a rewarding car to drive, especially when maintained properly.
In this episode (part 1 of the adventure), I drive from New York to Colorado, via Chicago and Omaha… before running into some issues in the Rocky Mountains.
The 2002 Porsche Boxster S is like that friend who shows up to a casual dinner party wearing a tailored suit—effortlessly cool and unapologetically classy. With its mid-engine layout and 3.2-liter flat-six engine, this car was a statement that Porsche didn’t just reserve its best engineering for the 911. It pumps out 250 horsepower, which in 2002 felt like a mini rocket on wheels. The Boxster S hugs the road like it’s trying to give it a romantic embrace, thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution. Driving it feels like an experience—no, an event—where every curve is an invitation to push a little harder.
Inside, it’s quintessentially Porsche: minimalist but refined, with all the buttons and knobs you need and none of the ones you don’t. The soft top is ready to drop at a moment’s notice, letting you hear that sweet engine note in full stereo. The car’s design has aged well—its sleek, rounded body still turns heads even as it gets mistaken for more recent models. The Boxster S isn’t just a sports car; it’s a declaration that sometimes, the road is best enjoyed with a little wind in your hair and a flat-six engine singing behind you.
Peter discovers a beautiful 1981Ferrari 512BB with super low mileage that has been sitting untouched for decades! However this means it also hasn’t been maintained or serviced..he must negotiate a fair shake with the car’s owner in order to get his hands on this one. After taking it back to the shop, Gary is able to take it for a drive before Bill Wallace comes to take a look at it for a customer of his.
The Ferrari 512 BB is like the automotive equivalent of a rockstar from the ’70s—loud, wild, and unapologetically flashy. It’s the kind of car that doesn’t just turn heads; it practically snaps necks.
First, let’s talk about that design. The 512 BB looks like it was sculpted by someone who had a poster of a fighter jet on their wall and thought, “What if we turned this into a car?” With its low-slung body, pop-up headlights, and a rear end that could double as a launch pad, it’s the kind of ride that screams, “I’m fast, and I know it.” The name alone—”Berlinetta Boxer”—sounds like it should come with a pair of aviator sunglasses and a leather jacket.
Under the hood, or rather behind the seats because this is a Ferrari after all, you’ve got a 5.0-liter flat-12 engine. It’s like they crammed an orchestra into the back of the car, and every time you hit the gas, it’s like the conductor just told the brass section to go nuts. The roar of the engine is so intense, it’s like the car is constantly clearing its throat in the most aggressive way possible.
Driving the 512 BB is an experience in itself. It’s not the kind of car that politely asks you to steer; it demands that you hold on for dear life and enjoy the ride. The steering is heavy, the clutch requires the leg strength of a small bear, and the visibility? Well, let’s just say you’re better off focusing on what’s in front of you because whatever’s behind you is already a blur.
But here’s the thing—the 512 BB doesn’t care about your comfort. It’s not here to pamper you with cup holders or Bluetooth. This is a Ferrari from the days when driving was a full-contact sport, and every trip felt like a victory lap at Le Mans. You don’t just drive this car; you wrestle with it, and if you’re lucky, it lets you feel like a hero.
In the end, the Ferrari 512 BB is the kind of car that makes you want to grow a mustache, put on a pair of flared jeans, and blast some classic rock while you tear down the highway. It’s not practical, it’s not subtle, but who cares? It’s a Ferrari, baby—and it’s here to remind you that sometimes, the best things in life are the loudest, most ridiculous, and utterly thrilling.
Today, I am discussing the death of electric cars.
The rise in popularity of the electric car is like watching your quirky, eco-friendly neighbor suddenly become the coolest person on the block. You know the type—the one who composts religiously, rides a bike to work, and has a solar panel collection that could power a small village. One day, they rolled up in a sleek, silent vehicle that looked like it had just been beamed down from a UFO, and everyone else started to notice.
At first, the idea of an electric car was met with skepticism, like it was a fad only for the overly enthusiastic tree-huggers or tech geeks. “It’s quiet,” they said, “like a golf cart on steroids.” People worried about running out of battery in the middle of nowhere, stuck next to a tumbleweed with only their regrets and a fully charged smartphone.
But then something wild happened—people actually started driving these things. And not just the environmentalists. Regular folks realized, “Hey, this thing goes from 0 to 60 faster than my morning coffee kicks in!” Suddenly, it wasn’t just about saving the planet; it was about showing off your new gadget that didn’t sound like a lawnmower with a hangover.
Charging stations started popping up like Starbucks locations, and soon, seeing an electric car on the road was as common as seeing a pigeon in a city park. Now, everyone from soccer moms to speed demons is in on the electric car game, and they’re all loving that moment when they pull up to the gas station and just… drive past it with a smug little grin.
In the end, the electric car’s popularity isn’t just about going green—it’s about going fast, saving money, and having a really good excuse to avoid small talk at the gas pump. And maybe, just maybe, it’s also about the thrill of feeling like you’re driving the future today.
Matt from Carwow reviews the brand new VW Golf GTI Mk 8.5 for 2025. Upgraded power, new steering wheel controls, changes to the exterior and more! Plus he races it in the standing quarter mile and does a brake test.
The Volkswagen GTI is like the mischievous kid in the hot hatch classroom who gets straight A’s while pulling pranks on everyone else. It looks like it should be on its best behavior, with its crisp, clean lines and that iconic plaid interior, but don’t be fooled. Underneath that respectable exterior is a turbocharged engine ready to throw you back in your seat with a cheeky grin. It’s the car equivalent of a nerd with a secret stash of fireworks—seemingly innocent until it blows you away with its unexpected zest.
Driving a GTI is like inviting a Labrador puppy into your life. Sure, you think you’re prepared for a civilized, joyful experience, but then it’s off, dragging you around corners with unbridled enthusiasm. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud as it darts through traffic, nimbly dodging obstacles with the grace of an over-caffeinated dancer. And much like that puppy, it’s got boundless energy and a playful personality that turns even the most mundane commutes into an adventure.
The Car Wizards gives us his six reliable cars to buy from $6,000 to $8,000 based on his personal experience fixing and maintaining them.
When buying a used car, it’s crucial to thoroughly inspect various aspects to ensure you’re making a sound investment. Here are the top 5 things to look out for:
1. Vehicle History Report: – Accident History: Check for any reported accidents, their severity, and the repairs made. – Title Status: Ensure the title is clean and not salvaged, rebuilt, or branded. – Ownership History: Look at the number of previous owners and how the car was used (personal, rental, commercial). – Service Records: Review maintenance and service records to see if the car has been regularly maintained.
2. Mechanical Condition: – Engine: Listen for any unusual noises, check for leaks, and look for excessive smoke from the exhaust. – Transmission: Ensure smooth shifting in both manual and automatic transmissions. – Suspension and Steering: Test for smooth and responsive steering, and check for any clunking sounds or vibrations while driving. – Brakes: Check the condition of the brake pads and rotors, and ensure the braking is responsive without any noise.
3. Exterior and Interior Condition: – Exterior: Look for signs of rust, dents, and mismatched paint which might indicate previous damage. – Tires: Check the tread depth and look for any uneven wear which could indicate alignment issues. – Interior: Inspect for wear and tear on the seats, dashboard, and upholstery. Ensure all controls and electronics (windows, lights, air conditioning, etc.) are functioning properly.
4. Test Drive: – Performance: Assess the car’s performance in various driving conditions—city traffic, highways, and different speeds. – Comfort: Evaluate the comfort level of the ride, seating position, visibility, and noise levels. – Handling: Pay attention to how the car handles, the responsiveness of the steering, and the braking efficiency.
5. Professional Inspection: – Certified Mechanic: Have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic who can provide a thorough evaluation of its condition and identify any potential issues that might not be obvious during a casual inspection. – Diagnostic Tools: Ensure the mechanic uses diagnostic tools to check for any hidden issues, especially with the engine and transmission.
By thoroughly checking these aspects, you can make a more informed decision and avoid potential problems down the road when buying a used car.
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