2019 Honda Insight Touring Review

2019 Honda Insight Touring Review The 2019 Honda Insight sports a hybrid powertrain and gets an estimated 51 mpg in the city. That’s not as good as a Toyota Prius, but the Insight has impressive styling and it doesn’t look like a fuel-stingy model. Honda isn’t just focusing on fuel mileage; they are instead touting it as being a quiet, comfortable, well-equipped, and affordable sedan.
This weekend, we drove the top-trim, 2019 Honda Insight Touring.
What’s New For 2019
Even though the Insight nameplate is not new, the 2019 Honda Insight is an all-new hybrid vehicle for the Japanese automaker.
Features & Options
The Insight Touring comes well-equipped with leather seats, rearview camera, heated front seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way power driver’s seat, heated outside mirrors, and a power moonroof. The Touring also comes with an eight-inch infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite and HD radio, and two USB ports. Touring models add navigation, HD digital traffic, voice recognition, and a 450-watt premium audio system with 10 speakers. HondaLink cloud-based services are also available.
Every Insight comes standard with the company’s Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver safety aids, which includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Total MSRP including destination: $28,985.

Interior Highlights
Stepping into the 2019 Honda Insight reveals an upscale cabin with touchscreen infotainment, spacious accommodations front and rear, and a large trunk with plenty of cargo space. The interior reminded us of the current Accord sedan with a warm ambiance. Honda has done a good job with the material quality and overall fit and finish.
The leather-trimmed front seats are comfortable for six footers in the Touring, and the lower cushions adjust for tilt. Touring does come with a moonroof that cuts into a taller person’s headroom, however. The back seat has plenty of legroom, but headroom seems more limited than others in this segment. We thought visibility was good from the rear and sides for a small sedan.
The hybrid battery sits underneath the rear seat but we didn’t notice a sacrifice in room because of it. Insight offers a large trunk with a flat floor and low load height, making it easy for us to load cargo for our weekend trip.





Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The new Honda Insight is powered by an Atkinson-cycle 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine that makes 107 horsepower and 99 lb-ft. of torque. The engine boasts an exemplary 40.5 percent thermal efficiency. With the electric motor, Insight has a combined output of 151 horsepower and 197 lb-ft. of torque.
The engine can supply power directly to the front wheels through a clutch and fixed gear ratio. There is not a traditional or continuously variable transmission in this new hybrid. The Insight achieves an EPA-estimated 51/45 city/highway and 48 combined mpg.

Driving Dynamics
The new Insight is fun to drive around town and easy to maneuver in heavy traffic. The electric motor carried us without the gas engine and kept us moving forward in stop-and-go traffic in Denver this weekend. Honda says at lower speeds, the Insight will go up to a mile without the gasoline engine firing up. We averaged close to 48 mpg for the weekend, and we even pushed it hard at elevation in the mountains.
The electric motor provides smooth and easy power at low speeds, but when we pushed hard on the pedal heading up I-70 west of Denver, the gas engine noise reaches the cabin. You will hear the engine speed rising and falling in line with the accelerator pedal. The experience is similar to a car equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission which is a disappointment.
It’s not a sporty sedan, but acceleration is strong because of the torque from the electric motor. Honda’s LaneWatch system (Touring only) puts cameras on the sideview mirrors and displays their view on the entertainment screen when you activate the turn signal. It’s an excellent system for seeing someone in your blind spot.
Conclusion
The 2019 Honda Insight is an affordable sedan that doesn’t look like a traditional hybrid. It comes in an attractive package with a comfortable, upscale interior. Honda priced the Insight right – even the upper Touring trim comes in under $30,000. 
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2019 Honda Insight Gallery























2019 Honda Insight Official Site.
Photos: Honda North America.



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Roadway Deaths Dip Slightly; Overall Outlook Still Bleak

Roadway Deaths Dip Slightly; Overall Outlook Still Bleak New report shows U.S. roadway deaths dipped slightly this year.
However, experts believe the news isn’t so great, saying we are merely “treading water.” 
Drivers can greatly reduce their risk of an accident by following a few simple safety tips.
Tapering Off
Driving carries an inherent risk, whether we do it for pleasure or necessity. The National Safety Council finds in the last two years, around 80,000 total roadway deaths have occurred in the United States. The latest statistics reflect a slow leveling off, with the number of fatalities in the first six months of 2018 dipping slightly. (Less than 0.5 percent from six-month 2017 estimates).
While the drop is hopeful, experts say it may only be a “stabilization” of the steepest two-year increase in over 50 years, which occurred between 2014 and 2016. If preliminary 2018 estimates hold, the U.S. could see its third straight year with around 40,000 roadway deaths.
“When it comes to this leading cause of accidental death, we aren’t making progress – we’re treading water,” explained Ken Kolosh, Manager of Statistics, National Safety Council. “We cannot accept more than 18,700 deaths as the price of mobility.”
Current Trend
Approximately 18,720 people died on U.S. roadways between January and June, compared to the Council’s revised estimate of 18,770 during the same period last year. Another 2.1 million are estimated to have sustained serious crash-related injuries during the first six months of 2018. This represents a one percent drop from 2017 six-month projections by comparison.
The National Safety Council collects fatality data monthly from all 50 states and leverages data from the National Center for Health Statistics.

Holidays Are Risky
Holidays are increasingly deadly, the upcoming Labor Day weekend being no exception. The National Safety Council estimates 420 people will be killed during the three-day weekend, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday, August 31st, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 3rd.
“Americans must employ those defensive driving skills we learn in driver’s ed classes: slow down, pay attention, and be prepared for anything,” said Maureen Vogel, Senior Public Relations Manager and Spokeswoman, National Safety Council. “Do not let your desire to get to your destination override safety.”
It Can Wait
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving accounted for 3,450 roadway deaths in 2016. Distracted driving also caused the nearly 400,000 reported injuries during that same period.
“It takes on average 4.6 seconds to send a text message,” explained Special First Lieutenant and Traffic Safety Specialist Jim Flegel of the Michigan State Police. “At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. The sad part is that 100 percent of crashes related to distracted driving are preventable.”

Safe & Sound
The National Safety Council and law enforcement officials recommend driving defensively, putting away mobile devices, and getting plenty of sleep beforehand. And remember: you can learn a lot from a dummy.
“First and foremost, seat belts save lives,” Flegel said. “If more drivers and passengers took that extra few seconds to put on their seat belts, it would drastically reduce the number of crash fatalities.”
“We hope these numbers remind drivers to slow down, buckle up, pay attention, and drive defensively so we can get on the road to zero deaths,” Kolosh added.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Safety Tips From The Michigan State Police
Drive defensively.
Limit distractions inside the vehicle.
Obey all traffic laws and posted signs.
Wear your seat belt each and every time.
Be aware of your surroundings while driving.
Never operate a vehicle impaired on alcohol or drugs.
If your day involves alcohol, plan ahead and designate a sober driver.
Resources From The National Safety Council
Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained and take care of any open recalls.
Consider ways to encourage your teenage children to drive safely and responsibly.
Take a brief tutorial of your vehicle’s active safety features if it is equipped with them.



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Italian Exotics Owned By The Late J. Geils Seeking New Homes

Italian Exotics Owned By The Late J. Geils Seeking New Homes

Lots of people know who J. Giles is. He was the guitar player and namesake for the Boston outfit who, after years of trying, but not really caring, suddenly had a string of top 40 hits. What a lot people don’t know about Jerome (his real name was John, but his singer, Peter Wolf, always called him Jerome) was that he was a no-doubt-about-it gearhead. He ran one of the nicest Lotus, Ferrari, and Maserati shops in the greater Boston area and, from what I’ve always read, everyone said he was a good guy.
Sadly, Mr. Giles turned off his Gibson Tweed amplifier this past April. And although we will never have the pleasure of seeing him play again, we are now invited to bid on eight vehicles: five cars and three motorcycles from his personal collection. Starting on Wednesday, August 16th, they are to be auctioned off at the 2017 Mecum Daytime Auction in Monterey, California
Angel In Blue
As you would expect, with this being the Monterey Vintage Week, Mecum’s Daytime Auction will be replete with some heavy-hitter exotics. Their auction catalog features such plebian rides as, oh, let’s see here, a LaFerrari, a Bugatti Veyron, a 2010 Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita and a “Knobbly” bodied 1958 Lister-Jaguar. For the car auction world, this is the big time. Maybe (maybe) only the Monte Carlo auction has more outright cache’ but you’d be hard put to convince me of that.
Crossing the block on Saturday, August 19th will be eight impressive rides from the late Mr. Geils’ collection, starting with a 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2. This what Enzo drove as his work car for many years. They are “practical” in a certain way, with more comfort and convenience than most Ferraris of the era with the +2 back seat. They also had Ferraris evergreen 250 V12 engine that brought home the hardware when installed in the GTOs, SWB Berlinettas, and Testa Rossas. When it comes to Giles’ 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, this would be the original 3.0-liter V12 engine with the 5-speed transmission. The car is said to have a very “attractive blue and gray exterior color combination.”
This is Lot S44, in case you want to place bids and buy it for yourself.
1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 (Lot S44). Photo: Mecum Auctions.


Motoring Centerfolds
Lot S45 is a 1967 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C. These iterations of the Flaminias are big, elegant GT cars motivated by a multi-carb V6. They are sophisticated and stylish to this day. The sort of car, when you pull up to the valet’s stand at the restaurant, they say, “oh no sir, you can just leave your car parked right out front.” Like you’d hand the keys over to a 1967 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C in the first place.
Geils’ 1967 Fiat Dino Spyder will also be crossing the block. For the uniformed, this is the car that Fiat made in conjunction with Ferrari shortly after the two companies merged. It says Fiat on the outside, but under the engine cover lies a small displacement Ferrari V6. The same engine found in Ferrari’s very own Dino and the space age Lancia Stratos rally car. These engines flat out rip. Even better, this is a drop-top (the most desirable of the range) and well worth your respect. Lot S46, if you are interested.
The three motorbikes all are Italian iron as well. There’s a 1983 Benelli 900 SEI (Lot S49), a mean little sport bike with a, get this, straight-six engine. A 1976 MV Agusta 125 SS is Lot S50. It looks like it’s ready for the Isle of Man TT. Lot S51 is a 1970 Ducati 350 Desmo, a fine example of what a Euro sport bike from that era was. Oh, and if you’re a memorabilia collector, five of J. Geils’ personal racing suits are also being auctioned off (Lot S52).
And the cherry on top? All of his stuff is being auctioned off without reserves.
1967 Fiat Dino Spyder, 2.0L, 5-Speed (Lot S46). Photo: Mecum Auctions.
Registration & Tickets
The auction is open to buyers, sellers, and spectators. Bidder registration is available in advance for $100, $200 after the auction starts. This includes admission for two for each auction day. General admission tickets are available in advance for $20 per person, per day, and for $30 at the door once the auction begins; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission. Portions of the auction will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network with a live stream of the entire auction on Mecum’s website.
So, if you’re looking for reasons or excuses to head to Monterey this year, we just gave you eight more. Now go! And crank the J. Geils on the way!
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Mecum Auctions.



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Nissan’s Rube Goldberg Idea Caused Us To Facepalm Ourselves

Nissan’s Rube Goldberg Idea Caused Us To Facepalm Ourselves

Nissan, for no real reason I can discern, has called their latest tech gizmo the “Rear Door Alert” when what it really is – or what it should be called – is “The Rear Seat Checker.” Beyond that confusing misnomer, what Nissan is attempting to do here, and always with the best of intentions (you know what they say about good intentions), is to help you remember the stuff in your back seat after you’ve parked.
You know, stuff like your children.
Destination: Litigation
The funny thing is, Nissan does not explicitly say the Rear Door Alert (RDA) is there to help keep your kids alive on a sweltering summer day. No, they only, sort of, imply it: “With summer heat on the rise, potential issues posed by interior car temperatures are even more real, but Nissan hopes its new Rear Door Alert may help reduce concerns.”
I have an informed guess as to why Nissan doesn’t come right out and say, “hey, are you a forgetful and harried parent? Worried about baking your kid (or pets) like a muffin while you’re at Twin Pines Mall shopping for lip gloss? Worry no more, thanks to Nissan’s new Rear Door Alert!” They can’t say that because I bet the legal team warned them along the lines of, “if you say we can keep kids safe and something still ends up happening, we’re going to get litigated back to the stone age.”
Cheese Alert
Nissan makes things clearer with this little tid-bit: “Elsa Foley, an industrial engineer and mother of two young children, and Marlene Mendoza, a mechanical engineer and mother of three, decided to work on an idea to help remind drivers to check their back seats before walking away.”
“We pushed each other along and knew we were on the right track one morning when Marlene discovered she had left a pan of lasagna in the back seat of her car one night after coming home after a long day at the office,” Foley said. “The worst thing was the car smelled for days, but it made me ask myself, ‘what if that had been something else back there?’”
Desiccated lasagna aside, it does sound like a helpful bit of tech, but the real flaw, if anything, is the execution.
The Rear Door Alert was developed at the Nissan Technical Center North America (NTCNA) in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The new feature will debut as standard equipment on the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder coming in September. Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
Comical Creation
The Rear Door Alert works in a clever but rather overly complex way. The RDA monitors the rear door switches to detect whether they have been opened or closed just before and after a trip. If the RDA system senses that a rear door was opened and closed prior to a trip, but then was not re-opened after the trip, (i.e. the vehicle was put in park and the ignition cycled off) the RDA system responds by displaying notifications on the instrument panel. If that’s not enough to get your attention, things escalate to “subtle but distinctive chirps of the horn.”
And this is where the RDA lurches into real Rube Goldberg/Larry Lightbulb territory: “Because there are so many scenarios in which a driver might open a rear door – everything from throwing in a gym bag to cleaning the car – the RDA system is easily configurable and can be turned off temporarily or permanently through prompts in the cluster display,” according to Nissan. In other words, this thing will keep nagging and badgering you until you either see to the problem, or jump through a bunch of techno-hoops and “reconfigure” your car. Gee, thanks.
Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

Medicated Motoring
Rear Door Alert is part of the ever-growing, ever-expanding list of “for your own good/you’re too stupid to do it yourself” safety contraptions found on most new cars these days. Nissan points out that most/all of these gadgets will be available on most of their more popular models except for those with manual transmissions and all NISMO versions. Gee, I wonder why that is? Maybe it’s because whoever goes out and buys your King Kong-inspired, Porsche-slaying GT-R is a gearhead capable of looking in the back seat.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.



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2018 Acura RLX Debut Set For Monterey Automotive Week

2018 Acura RLX Debut Set For Monterey Automotive Week

Acura is preparing for the public debut of the 2018 RLX during the Monterey Automotive Week, beginning tomorrow, August 15th. The automaker says the RLX has a more “substantial presence” with “design cues that showcase its performance capabilities.”
The forthcoming RLX will remain the brand’s premier and flagship luxury sports sedan.
Styling & Design
The signature diamond grille compliments the more sculpted hood and wheels, while the newly designed LED taillights blend with the gloss black rear diffuser. The 2018 Acura RLX has three new colors including two premium paint options – Brilliant Red Metallic and Majestic Black Pearl. Inside, upgraded materials and touchpoints decorate the cabin, including the redesigned seats with high-contrast piping and stitching. An Espresso interior is now available.
“This redesign of the 2018 Acura RLX is transformational, creating road presence and styling that better reflect underlying performance capabilities of the vehicle,” said Jon Ikeda, Acura Vice President & General Manager.
Power & Performance
The 2018 RLX is arguably the most advanced in Acura’s lineup, borrowing its engineering from the NSX supercar. The Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH-AWD) is taken directly from the NSX to provide better acceleration, handling, and efficiency. With three electric motors, a direct injected V6, and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, the 2018 RLX Sport Hybrid delivers a total system output of 377 horsepower. The trim levels are revised so the Sport Hybrid technology is now more accessible to customers.
2018 Acura RLX. Honda North America.
Safety & Security
The new RLX features AcuraWatch, a suite of enhanced driver assistance technologies. Traffic Jam Assist, for example, is a first for Acura. Working in conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist helps keep the vehicle in its lane. AcuraWatch also includes Collision Mitigation Braking with automatic emergency braking, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist among others.
AcuraWatch uses millimeter wave radar and monocular camera sensing technology to detect vehicles and lane markings. The system is designed to prevent or mitigate potential collisions.
Pricing & Availability
Acura has not announced pricing at this time, although expect the 2018 RLX to arrive in November. In the meantime, the 2018 Acura RLX will be featured at multiple events throughout Monterey Automotive Week including the Carmel-By-The Sea Concours on the Avenue, Tuesday, August 15th and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, Friday, August 18th.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 
2018 Acura RLX Gallery











Photos & Source: Honda North America.



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A Brief History of Classic Chevy Wagons

A Brief History of Classic Chevy Wagons

It seems like wagons are a lost art these days, although there isn’t a shortage of fans. Wagons are more rare now, but the 2018 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon holds the torch high, igniting the passions of wagon lovers everywhere. We are fans of the new Volvo V90, the latest wagon from the Swedish automaker. The 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack is holding on strong in the wagon genera as well.
Other wagons were not so lucky, like the Dodge Magnum we waved goodbye to in 2008. The Cadillac CTS-V Wagon didn’t stay for the party either, signing off in 2014.
Working Class Cruiser
Back in the day, if an individual desired a wagon for the family, they arguably turned to Detroit’s bowtie. A slick new infographic from our friends at H&H Classic Parts showcases over thirty years of Chevy wagons, starting in 1935. The graphic includes artist renderings and interesting data for each one. Today, things are a bit different as General Motors holds a strong presence in the crossover segment. However, if you follow the thinking of H&H Classic Parts, there’s little difference between the golden era of station wagons and today’s crossover and SUV boom.
“The 1935 Carryall was used for work and for passengers, and it was a revolutionary vehicle when it debuted – of course, today we call it the Chevy Suburban,” said Tray Smith, Vice President of H&H Classic Parts. “Like the Suburban, most of today’s popular SUVs and crossovers can trace their lineage back to the classic American wagons from the 50s and 60s.”
The Carryall is of note because some will dispute calling it a wagon. The Carryall was mounted on a truck chassis and featured removable seats; for many wagon enthusiasts, this doesn’t count but the utility – what wagons are known for- is certinately there.
“Is the Carryall a wagon? I don’t know. I can definitely see it either way,” Smith said. “But the fact is, you can’t really talk about classic Chevy wagons without talking about the Carryall, so it’s on our list.”
Chevy’s original steel-bodied, truck-based Suburban “Carryall” of 1935-36 provided a robust and durable SUV-like alternative to wood-bodied wagons. Power came from Chevrolet’s “Stovebolt” inline-six that produced 60 horsepower on a half-ton chassis. Photo: GM Media Archive.
Past Eras, Modern Desires
The more things change, the more they stay the same. How we might seek a crossover or SUV to accommodate our active lifestyles, or busy family schedule, the same was had years ago. The demand for affordable transportation following World War II turned Chevy wagons from tools to suburban icons. The 1949 Styleline wagon, for example, sat eight to nine passengers, and buyers could have a wood-sided or all-steel vehicle.
Styling became increasingly important as Chevy wagons were sought by working families. The 150 and 210 wagons of 1953 sported a five-teeth grille with a large bowtie emblem. This made the wagons unmistakable but the value for the dollar made them a hit. A budget-minded family could opt for the lower priced Townsman, but still walk away with a 106 horsepower Thrift King engine and an upgraded trim. The Handyman variant had power steering and fold away seats for extra cargo.
Demand rose through the 1950s, where the Tri-Five series, particularity the Beauville wagon with seating for nine, became prevalent. By 1955, Chevy was producing the Nomad, a two-door, lower-slung wagon that by 1957, was known as the Bel Air. Suffice it to say, locating one is like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
”Because so many early Chevy wagons were used as work vehicles, they suffered some abuse and many ended up in the junkyard,” Smith explained. “If you own any of the 150, 210, or Bel Air wagons from 1953 to 1957, you’re lucky. I envy those with one of these wagons as a restoration project.”
1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Sport Coupe. Photo: GM Media Archive.


Carefree Adventures
As times changed radically for the United Sates in the 1960s, Chevy wagons maintained their cultural appeal. Families often got their kicks on Route 66 with the Lakewood wagons, another rare find today. Chevy collectors who come across one are in luck, however. The Lakewood wagon shared most of its parts with the Corvair, so a restoration project is relatively easy.
What’s also interesting is how the Chevy II and Nova wagons were a huge success in 1962. This was the first time Chevy wagons shared a car nameplate. Two years later, the Chevelle series reverted back to individual nameplates: Greenbrier, Concours, and Concours Estate. The wagons actually remained in the Chevelle line until the series ended in 1977.
The full graphic from H&H Classic Parts is below. Do you have a favorite Chevy wagon? Let us know on Twitter.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. 

Cover Photo: GM Media Archive.



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CARCHEX vs. Endurance Extended Warranty (2019 Review)

CARCHEX vs. Endurance Extended Warranty (2019 Review) CARCHEX and Endurance offer extended auto warranties for new and pre-owned cars.
We compare CARCHEX vs. Endurance and their available plans.
Why buy an extended warranty? An extended warranty can increase resale value and save you thousands in repair costs.
We recommend CARCHEX for extended auto warranties.
When it comes to customer service, CARCHEX has a higher customer satisfaction rating than its competitor, Endurance.
Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.
Should you choose CARCHEX or an Endurance warranty for your car, and why does it matter?
According to a study by AAA, the average annual cost of owning and operating a vehicle in 2018 was $8,849. That price includes insurance, repairs, maintenance, and even depreciation. When you buy a new (or used) car, you’re thinking primarily about the best deal at that moment. However, it’s important to consider the increasing annual costs as the car ages and accrues miles. An extended auto warranty can cover the cost of expensive repairs once the manufacturer’s warranty expires, but choosing the right provider can make all the difference.
We compare CARCHEX vs. Endurance – two of the leading providers of extended warranties – including their coverage, cost, and customer service, to show you why we recommend CARCHEX plans for your vehicle.
To get a free, customized quote, call 866-254-0205 or visit the CARCHEX website.
Is An Extended Car Warranty Really Worth It?
Before you even start comparing providers, you may be wondering about the benefits of having an extended warranty. The answer to this question depends on your vehicle and your driving habits. Is your car an ultra-reliable brand? Do you expect to put more than 100,000 miles on your vehicle? Does your vehicle’s manufacturer offer a shorter warranty than you expected?
Here are a few reasons why an extended warranty is a good option:
An extended warranty can increase your car’s resale value and give you peace of mind.
Extended warranty companies help you in the event of a breakdown, so you don’t have to negotiate price or repairs with the mechanic on your own.
Manufacturer warranties don’t last forever. In fact, many only last three years or 36,000 miles. An extended warranty continues your coverage sometimes up to 10 years.
Vehicles are lasting longer and going greater distances, meaning you may be more likely to need a major, costly repair. A service contract can save you thousands on replacement parts.
There is an added benefit to choosing a third-party warranty company. Edmunds explains:
“The only benefit to getting an extended warranty as you purchase a car is the ability to wrap the warranty’s cost into your financing. But unless you’ve shopped in advance and can negotiate a lower price for the extended warranty on the spot, this route could cost you more in the long run.”
Head-to-Head Comparison: Endurance & CARCHEX
Two key players in the industry, Endurance and CARCHEX, have provided vehicle service contracts for over 10 years. While they both offer extended car warranties, an Endurance warranty and a CARCHEX warranty are different in terms of coverage and benefits.
Let’s break it down.
Endurance Warranty Overview 
Who is Endurance?
Endurance offers five levels of coverage, from powertrain to exclusionary coverage.
All Endurance plans come with Endurance Elite Membership.
Endurance handles all claims, so you only communicate with one company.
Endurance has relatively positive reviews, though it is not BBB accredited.
Plans
Endurance offers five coverage plans:
Secure: The Secure plan covers powertrain components, including the engine, drivetrain, and transmission. It is the most basic and affordable plan.
Select Premier: This plan is a step up from the Secure plan with additional coverage for cooling system components, fuel delivery systems, and electrical components. This plan is best for high-mileage vehicles.
Secure Plus: Slightly more comprehensive than Select Premier, this plan also covers steering components. It has a short waiting period of 30 days or 1,000 miles.
Superior: With the highest stated component coverage, the Superior Plan covers almost all vehicle system components, except for seals and gaskets.
Supreme: The Supreme plan is a “bumper-to-bumper” or exclusionary plan, meaning the service contract only lists items that are excluded from coverage. This is the most extensive plan and therefore the most expensive.
While Endurance offers coverage up to 200,000 miles under certain plans, some coverage information and terms are not readily available or easy to find on their website. Though sample contracts are available for each plan, customers may find it difficult to obtain important information.
Additional Benefits
Endurance warranties include additional “coverage” for drivers under their Endurance Elite Membership, a one-year program that comes with all plans and includes:
Key locator.
ID theft protection.
Key fob replacement.
Endurance Protect app.
24/7 roadside assistance.
Up to two annually replaced tires.
Repair finance loans up to $5,000.
$250 in member rewards with partnered merchants.
Live personal concierge for reservations, directions, emergencies, etc.
Exclusions
Like many extended warranties, Endurance coverage excludes repairs and replacements due to wear and tear, neglect, weather, and accidents.
Most car warranties don’t cover damage done by weather or other environmental elements, such as snow or salt.
Cost
One of the advantages of having an Endurance extended warranty is that all processes are handled by Endurance itself. Unlike some other providers, Endurance doesn’t simply promote plans offered by other companies.
Unfortunately, this means only one contract is available under each level of coverage: an Endurance contract. This can limit your competitive pricing options. Currently, a deductible with Endurance is typically between $100 – $200.
Endurance Reviews
Endurance has an overall positive reputation among third-party warranty companies, but the company’s BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating is not the highest among its competitors. They have a current BBB rating of B+.
This is what one Endurance customer said on Trustpilot:
“My issues have been resolved with Endurance. Initially the process was stressful, but ultimately they resolved my vehicle’s damages and fully covered the repairs for both parts and labor.” – Daniel R. 
The majority were pleased with the service, though some customers complained they could not immediately download their policy or had to wait longer periods for reimbursement.
Quick Facts
Started in 2006.
Coverage up to 20 years or 200,000 miles.
Official name is Endurance Warranty Services, LLC.
Located at 400 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 105, Northbrook, IL 60062-7937.
Pros:
Excellent coverage.
Directly handles claims.
Long terms for high-mileage vehicles.
Cons: 
Higher number of complaints from customers.
Fewer contract options (in other words, fewer pricing options).
CARCHEX Warranty Overview 
Who is CARCHEX?
CARCHEX is endorsed by many reputable companies, including Edmunds, CARFAX, Kelley Blue Book, and more.
The company is BBB accredited and has the highest satisfaction rating among competitors, including Endurance.
CARCHEX offers five coverage levels, including powertrain and bumper-to-bumper coverage, from several plan providers.
All plans are insured, so you know repairs will be paid.
Plans
With terms ranging from five to 10 years, CARCHEX offers five coverage levels with several plan options under each tier:
Bronze: Bronze powertrain coverage cuts the cost of repairs on your engine, drivetrain, transmission, and cooling system. This is the most basic and affordable coverage plan.
Silver: This coverage plan includes the powertrain, fuel delivery system, air conditioning, and electrical components.
Gold: This plan is best for vehicles with more than 60,000 miles. It covers all components under the Bronze and Silver plans, as well as steering and braking components.
Platinum: Like Endurance’s Superior plan, this plan is the one with the highest stated component coverage. It also includes coverage for heating/cooling, advanced electrical components, and suspension.
Titanium: This is CARCHEX’s exclusionary coverage plan, and therefore it is the most comprehensive and expensive option.
In addition to the components stated above, CARCHEX Care Gold, Platinum, and Titanium plans offer seal and gasket coverage.
Their website provides sample contracts and makes it easy to find terms and information for each contract.
Additional Benefits
CARCHEX offers the following “coverage” for all of its customers:
Key lock-out service.
Battery jump service.
24/7 roadside assistance.
Rental car reimbursement.
Towing and wrecker services.
Emergency gas delivery service.
Limited trip interruption reimbursement for hotels, food, etc.
Exclusions
Coverage plans limit repairs and replacements in a similar manner to Endurance. Damages caused by wear and tear, weather, neglect, and accidents are excluded from coverage. In addition, CARCHEX plans do not cover replacements for tires, brake pads, windshield wiper blades, and other routine maintenance items.
Cost
Though CARCHEX is not the direct provider, it has a larger number of available contracts to choose from based on the number of reputable providers it markets. Therefore, you have more competitive pricing options.
The cost of an extended warranty will depend on the model and year of the car, as well as your current mileage. CARCHEX plan deductibles can range from $0 to about $200, which can be less expensive than Endurance.
CARCHEX Reviews
With 20 years of experience in the industry, CARCHEX has mastered customer service, thanks to their easy claims process, direct payments to repair facilities, and prompt responses from specialists. They are BBB accredited with a current BBB ranking of A+.
Here’s what one CARCHEX customer said about their service on Trustpilot:
“My alternator went out on my 2011 Nissan Maxima. I called CARCHEX to set up a claim within minutes they told me it was covered under warranty. CARCHEX saved me a lot of money!” – Jackema W. 
The majority of CARCHEX customers were satisfied with their service and the claims process, especially the low pressure to buy.
Quick Facts
Started in 1999.
Coverage up to 10 years.
Located at 118 Shawan Road, Suite 210, Hunt Valley, MD 21030-1318.
Pros:
Greater number of available contracts.
Bumper-to-bumper coverage available.
Higher customer satisfaction and fewer complaints.
Cons:
Company does not handle all processes directly (claims are handled by contract providers).
 
An extended auto warranty can cover the cost of expensive repairs, but choosing the right provider can make all the difference.
Endurance vs. CARCHEX: Our Pick
Sometimes your vehicle fails regardless of how well you take care of it. Brandon Grade, Service Advisor at Findlay Toyota in Las Vegas, states, “Regular maintenance and inspections can help a problem be caught before a catastrophic failure happens. But I don’t believe you are going to be able to prevent a window motor failure, regardless of how well you maintain your car.” In cases like this, you need an extended car warranty.
When it comes to Endurance vs. CARCHEX extended warranties, we believe CARCHEX is your best bet for affordable protection, easy claims procedures, and no-nonsense customer service.
A Direct Competitor Comparison
When choosing the best extended warranty provider for your specific vehicle, there are several factors you should take into account:
Competitive prices.
Ease and convenience.
Plan flexibility and customization.
Transparency (understanding the fine print).
Both companies offer high-level service, but it’s the details that matter. It’s a close race, but you can see for yourself with this head-to-head comparison of Endurance vs CARCHEX.

Endurance
CARCHEX
Coverage Levels
5
5
Contracts Available
5
16
Deductibles
$100 – $200
$0 – $200
BBB Rating
B+
A+
BBB Complaints
428
86
Years of Experience
13
20
Accepted Repair Sites
30,000+
30,000+
Transferable Plans
Yes
Yes
Cancellable Plans
Yes
Yes
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Yes
Yes
Endorsements
Courtney Hanson, Katie Osbourne, and Vehicle Protection Association
CARFAX, SiriusXM, RepairPal, DMV.org, CarAdvise, AutoBlog, Zubie, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, and more
Our Top 5 Reasons For Choosing CARCHEX
With a more transparent site and easy-to-navigate plans, you know exactly what you’re getting with a CARCHEX extended warranty.
Endurance extended warranty plans and CARCHEX extended warranty plans have very similar coverage, but CARCHEX offers the most customizable plans and options, including windshield repair options and more.
CARCHEX offers deductibles as low as $0, as well as convenient payment plan options. With more contracts, you have more options and flexibility.
Reputation is important. With multiple endorsements and a long history in the industry, you can trust CARCHEX to meet your standards.
Getting a quote is easy and instant. A representative is ready and available to help.
Protect Your Car: Receive a CARCHEX Quote
Your car isn’t getting any younger. To find the most affordable prices and the best level of coverage for your specific vehicle, speak with a CARCHEX expert. A specialist will contact you promptly to discuss plan options without the pushiness of other warranty companies.

Call 866-254-0205 or visit the CARCHEX website to get a free, customized quote.




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2017 Honda Clarity Electric Arrives, Bites Into Competition

2017 Honda Clarity Electric Arrives, Bites Into Competition

You want something green and electric but don’t have Tesla Model S or Model X levels of cash to spend. Well, your answer might just have arrived, and I mean literally arrived at your local Honda dealership. At least if that dealership is in California or Oregon.
In a lot of ways, the problem with Tesla’s products isn’t range or battery depletion, it’s cost. Amazing and livable as the Model S and X are, they are expensive. Very expensive. Like, new Porsche expensive.
And, if you’re a serious gearhead like us here at One Automoblog Towers, would you rather buy a Tesla, with all that lovely torque at zero rpm, or would you rather buy a new Porsche? Yeah, us too.
Name Recognition
But move down-market a tad and things could become much more palatable to consumers. This is, of course, what Tesla is trying to do with its Model 3 (just hitting customers as we speak). And this is exactly the spot, more or less, where the Honda Clarity Electric fits. The Clarity Electric, however, has the built-in virtue of being a Honda, a known entity with Dealerships spread far and wide across this continent, unlike Tesla, which sorely lacks representation in big chunks of America. Did you know Honda has a dealership in Fairbanks, Alaska? They do. Do you know where you can talk to a Tesla dealer in Alaska? You can’t. There are no Tesla dealers in Alaska.
So what is this? What, pray tell, is the Honda Clarity? The thumbnail sketch is that the Clarity is a range of three hybrid/electric cars (a sedan, actually) with new drivetrain technology. The Clarity is actually a car line unto itself. You can get Clarity plug-in hybrids later this year and, as of last December, you could get a Clarity Fuel Cell model. And now, at least in two states, there’s the full-blown Honda Clarity Electric.
Photo: Honda North America.


Electrification Initiative
The Honda Clarity is the first-ever vehicle series that offers an array of electrified powertrains. It’s sort of like if you could get a Prius that was just electric, or a hybrid. Seems like a smart marketing move on Honda’s part. Although the Clarity has its fair share of styling quirks, it’s not nearly as space-ship goofy looking as a Prius or a BMW i3. Honda calls it “sophisticated,” which it probably is, since Honda works this stuff to the Nth degree.
Still, it’s a five-seat sedan that would be hard to spot as anything unique in the mall parking lot. The only real way to tell the Clarity Electric apart from other Clarity models is by the Cobalt Blue Pearl color and slightly different front styling.
The Clarity is also the thin edge of the wedge (to use a military term) of something referred to as the “Honda Electrification Initiative.” That, in turn, is going to be Honda’s bridge to more efficient and cleaner cars in the years ahead. Honda wants two-thirds of their global automobile sales coming from electrified vehicles by 2030, so get ready.
Photo: Honda North America.
Power & Performance
The Clarity Electric sedan is motivated by a 161 horsepower (120 kilowatt) electric motor that cranks out 221 lb-ft. of torque. As with all electric motors, there is no torque “curve” to speak of. All 221 lb-ft. of torque will literally be available at zero rpm, smoking the tires to great effect once you find a way around the traction control system. NOTE: We here at One Automoblog Towers do not advocate doing that with this, or any other new EV. It will, no doubt, violate your warranty, get you in trouble, get you a stern talking to in the principal’s office, that sort of thing. Although fairness compels us to mention that certain members of the Automoblog staff have done stuff like this, and it’s a total blast.
At any rate, the Honda Clarity gets the juice for its electric motor from a 25.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The Clarity Electric can be fully charged in a little over three hours with a 240 volt system, using the DC fast charging with the SAE Combined Charging System. You can achieve an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes if you don’t have much time to wait around. The “fuel” economy figures work out to 126 city, 103 highway, and 114 combined MPGe, with an EPA range rating of 89 miles on a full charge. Not a lot of distance, but more than enough for day to day, around town sort of stuff.
In a lot of ways, if it wasn’t for the EV drivetrain, the Clarity Electric is pretty normal. It is, from the inside, a spacious and comfortable sedan suited for daily driving needs. It comes in a premium Touring trim and is loaded with all the technology and safety features consumers expect today. There’s a lot of gizmos inside including an 8-inch Display Audio setup with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistance technologies.
Photo: Honda North America.
 

Pricing & Availability
Honda doesn’t explicitly mention the price of the 2017 Honda Clarity Electric sedan, since it seems to be a lease only kind of thing. A fairly smart, if conservative business strategy here, since it will be easier to get them all back if you decide to quit the whole plan, or things don’t work out the way you like. The introductory lease runs you $269 a month for 36 months via select dealerships in California and Oregon. The lease gives you an allowance of 20,000 miles per year and 24/7 roadside assistance (a nice perk).
That $269 does reflect the federal tax credit. At signing, if you want to get down to the bottom line here, you’ll be on the hook for $1,730 down, plus the first month’s payment less tax, registration, and/or other fees. California and Oregon customers may qualify for state rebates of $2,500.
Is Honda’s Clarity Electric for you? That’s up to you to decide, but it’s not worth dismissing out of hand if you are in the market for an electric vehicle.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
2017 Honda Clarity Electric Gallery











Photos & Source: Honda North America.



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2017 Toyota Corolla iM Review

2017 Toyota Corolla iM Review


The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM sounds like a new model, but it’s really a rebadged Scion iM that was launched last year. The Scion brand was axed but this Corolla rides on the same platform, meaning the remnants of Scion are still under the Toyota Umbrella. 
This week, we drove the 2017 Toyota Corolla iM automatic 5-Door hatch.
What’s New For 2017
The 2017 iM is new to Toyota this year but it’s basically the same car as last year’s Scion iM. Standard automatic high-beam control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning and mitigation are new for 2017.
Features & Options
The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM comes in a single, well-equipped model. The 5-door hatchback automatic ($19,490) comes with many standard amenities for the price. It features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED running lights, automatic headlights, power-folding heated mirrors, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping column with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats, and a rearview camera.
Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, 7-inch touchscreen, six-speaker stereo with HD radio, Aha streaming Internet radio, and a USB interface complete the list of connectivity technologies. Our tester also came with floormats and a cargo mat ($185), wheel locks ($65), and rear wind deflector ($399). Total MSRP including destination: $21,498.

Interior Highlights
The cabin of the Corolla iM matches the outside with its contemporary design. A dash covered in fashionable piano black features swooping lines and round vents. There’s a lot of upscale, soft-touch trim throughout. The height-adjustable front seats are supportive and the upholstery is average for an economy compact. We liked the simple instrument layout and dual-zone climate control; the standard 7-inch touchscreen is easy to reach and reacts quickly.
The rearview camera is a welcome feature as the rear hatch window is small and visibility is limited when backing up. Front visibility is good with the small pillars, raked hood, and big windshield. The backseat is not as roomy as the front and there’s not a lot of cargo room (20.8 cubic feet) when the rear seatbacks are up, but they’re still 60/40 and fold flat for some cargo carrying ability.



Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM is powered by the same high-revving, 1.8-liter four-cylinder as the Corolla. It produces 137 horsepower and 126 lb-ft. of torque. Our Corolla iM tester had the 7-speed CVTi-S automatic transmission that transfers power to the front wheels, although a 6-speed manual is standard.
Fuel economy is an EPA estimated 28/36 city/highway and 31 combined with the CVTi-S. 
Driving Dynamics
The iM automatic felt lively and light in the corners as we tossed the subcompact around the tight mountain curves near Evergreen, west of Denver. When we took it on the open road and through the high country at altitude, the automatic felt like any Continuously Variable Transmission: it winds up tight when pushed hard.
The Toyota iM is a sporty compact but it’s not a true sports hatch. It won’t blow the doors off with its acceleration, but it does hold its own after you get up to speed. We dropped the 7-speed CVTi-S automatic into sport mode and kept the revs up for more spirited driving in the tight mountain curves. In heavy, stop-and-go city traffic this week, we thought the automatic was preferable over the manual. It gets tiring when you have to continually push in the clutch to move a few feet forward. 
Conclusion
The 2017 Toyota Corolla iM comes with a long list of standard features for the price, has hatchback versatility, it’s fuel efficient, and would be a good vehicle for urban dwellers. 
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2017 Toyota Corolla iM Gallery




















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2017 Toyota Corolla iM Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.




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