When shopping for a Model X, you will have two luxurious fashions to select from, with pricing beginning at $79,990. The Long Range serves as the usual mannequin and is powered by 670 horsepower with an estimated 310 pound-feet of torque. Alternatively, the more expensive and extra highly effective choice, the Plaid, delivers a much more spectacular 1,020 horsepower and an estimated 1,050 pound-feet of torque.
The Model S could match the Model X in torque and horsepower, however the Model X comes with a tow hitch that enhances the EV’s versatility on the street. At its present specs, the Model X can pull a most of 5,000 kilos. There is a catch, although, that pertains to all autos — the utmost towing capability is predicated on particular situations.
Per Tesla, 5,000 kilos is feasible if the EV is outfitted with 255/45R20 or 265/45R20 entrance tires and 275/45R20 rear tires at 46 psi or 265/35ZR22 entrance tires and 285/35ZR22 rear tires at 50 psi.
Buying a used luxurious automobile generally is a expensive proposition, particularly an early EV just like the Tesla Model S. But that did not cease somebody from taking dwelling this 2013 Model S P85 with 269,221 miles on the odometer.
Purchased at public sale for simply $7,800, the Model S runs and drives, however the air-con does not work. Despite racking up over 260,000 miles, the electrical tailgate remains to be practical, as are all 4 home windows, the sunroof, the instrument cluster, and the touchscreen.
Interestingly, the motive force’s show exhibits 133 miles of vary on roughly half a battery. This model of the Model had an 85.0-kilowatt-hour pack, which was rated by EPA again within the day at 265 miles. While there is not any documentation of the battery being changed, it is exhausting to imagine there’s just about no degradation after a decade of use.
We beforehand wrote a few Model S P85 that went through three battery packs and 13 motors after overlaying 1,181,268 miles (1,901,067 kilometers). How a lot wouldn’t it value to interchange the battery packs? J.D. Power, Insurify, and Reccurent Auto say you would be taking a look at spending as a lot as $20,000 or extra after factoring in labor.
This one is an easy P85 mannequin with a single-motor, rear-wheel drive, and an output of 373 hp and 325 lb-ft. There are not any obvious crimson flags when the automobile is out on the street – the air suspension works as marketed, the acceleration is swift, and there are not any bizarre noises. So except there are some hidden faults, this Model S may need been one heck of a deal.
Since a model new 2023 Tesla Model Y retails for $43,990 – $52,490 plus whatever add-ons you want to improve the SUV with. Therefore, shopping for a earlier era or perhaps a barely used Tesla Model Y will set drivers again round $39,999 to $55,998, relying on the SUV’s variety of miles, its specs, and total situation. What’s fascinating about these SUVs is that they maintain worth fairly properly.
A German firm carried out a examine proving that Tesla Model Y held 64 percent of its value upon second-market sale, one of many highest within the electrical automotive phase. That alone means greater value tags than a Model 3 or different EV on the used market. On prime of that, new Tesla Model Y’s have seen price cuts for 2023 and can possible stabilize for 2024, that means you can discover {that a} Long Range used Tesla Model Y retails for across the identical as a base-level brand-new mannequin. Again, it is not the top of the world, however the used and new Tesla Model Y markets are nearer than many would think about.
The Tesla Model Y excels in efficiency, vary, know-how, and design, setting a excessive commonplace within the aggressive electrical automobile market.
In order to provide the newest and correct data doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Electrek, CNBC, and TrueCar.
A Used Tesla Model Y Surprisingly Holds Its Value
Most used Tesla Model Y autos price between $39,999 and $55,998.
This SUV is without doubt one of the highest in worth on the second-hand market.
For these hoping to attain a fantastic deal when purchasing second-hand Tesla Model Y in 2024, you will not possible be in for the steal you hoped for. Because this mannequin holds its worth so properly, used Tesla Model Y SUVs sometimes promote for anyplace between $39,999 to $55,998, primarily based on mileage, situation, and specs.
That stated, promoting a gently-used Model Y ought to imply you recoup many of the preliminary cost you made for it, which is a optimistic for sellers. Unlike many different EVs that lose most of their worth inside a few years, the Model Y has been in a position to make a powerful model for itself, new and used. It’s one of many model’s flagship fashions and continues to outshine a lot, if not all, of its competitors. That identical sentiment rings true on the pre-owned market.
Why Tesla Model Y Stands Strong
Buyers and sellers of a used Tesla Model Y are sometimes shocked as a result of this automobile has remained a best choice amongst EV buyers. Whether it is a model new mannequin for full retail value or one for barely much less on the second-hand market, the Tesla Model Y is a stronghold.
With little redesign over the previous few years, this additionally retains individuals from “needing” the subsequent neatest thing. Call it what you need, however we would agree this technique is slightly sensible on Tesla’s half. If it ain’t broke, do not repair it.
Manufactured by the model that pioneered the EV motion within the US, Tesla’s Model Y comes with all of the bells and whistles albeit some drawbacks too.
A Slower Market In 2024 Could Be An Advantage To Pre-Owned Model Y Buyers
Tesla
One silver lining with a slowing world economic system is that individuals on the receiving finish of the automotive market will see decrease costs roll out as much less demand turns into apparent. Tesla has witnessed slowed gross sales for brand new models, like Model 3 and Model Y, in 2023, main to cost slashing and distinctive advertising and marketing. Trying to get individuals to a showroom has turn out to be harder than a couple of years again, and it takes producers doing probably the most to see even the smallest bump in quarterly gross sales.
Therefore, a Model Y that somebody bought for $44,000 could solely promote for $38,000-$40,000 in 2024. Even then, that appears significantly better than Model 3 resale worth, which has declined by upwards of 30 percent.
The Tesla Model 3 is cheaper to keep up than many gas-powered autos, nevertheless it additionally comes with hidden prices of its personal.
Tesla *Kind Of* Caused The Used EV Market To Crash
Nadezda Murmakova / Shutterstock
Tesla’s slashing Model 3 and Model Y costs despatched shockwaves into the trade.
Lower-priced new EVs induced ripple results within the pre-owned trade.
Another fascinating improvement we noticed in 2023 was the autumn of the used EV market, particularly with Tesla weighing down the phase probably the most. the Model 3 was mainly to blame for rapidly falling MSRPs within the second-hand market because of Tesla slashing its value as a brand-new automobile. Typically, when a automobile maker cuts costs on brand-new fashions, this causes a domino impact within the used trade.
With a couple of thousand off the Model 3 and offers on Model Y, Tesla made a unstable trade much more shaky, each new and used. Better costs for customers are at all times good, however not when there are flooded used seller heaps with little to no foot visitors.
Hybrids Seem To Be A More Popular Choice
With hybrids and plug-in hybrid models taking center stage, this additionally trickles right down to these searching for a used automobile. Of course, the Model Y has seen a greater vary than most of its competitors, holding buyers happy for this lengthy. With new EV possession only accounting for about 10 percent of the whole market share, there must be a push for sooner charging, higher vary, and BETTER PRICING.
In at the moment’s market circumstances, shopping for a second-hand EV is likely to be the most effective monetary resolution you can make.
The Tesla Model Y Will Continue To Dominate The Used Market
Tesla
Although in a shaky market, the Tesla Model Y will proceed to dominate the used EV phase.
Buyers of second-hand Tesla Model Y’s have extra leverage heading into 2024.
Although the used Tesla Model Y market has seen some shake-ups for 2023, heading into 2024, it ought to stay pretty steady. Because this SUV falls into the premium class for underneath $45,000 (most occasions) pre-owned, Model Y continues to dominate lots and keep people’s interest. We can anticipate to see many extra of those fashions hit the used market upon the 2024 Model Y’s launch, in order that flooded phase may imply higher offers for buyers.
If there’s one factor to know concerning the present automotive scenario throughout the U.S. and the world, it is that consumers have the higher hand shifting into 2024. High-interest charges throughout the board can solely imply one factor for brand spanking new AND used fashions: decrease costs by producers and sellers. That’s not less than in the event that they plan to promote them.
All carmakers skilled a decline in month-to-month gross sales following the push from the festive shopping for interval of October
The brand-wise automobile gross sales figures for November 2023 are out, and though nothing has modified when it comes to the highest performing manufacturers and their positions, the figures paint an image of the market publish October festivities. Maruti Suzuki led the chart, adopted by Hyundai and Tata respectively. Each of the highest 10 promoting automobile manufacturers of the earlier month have skilled a month-on-month (MoM) loss in demand, whereas Kia, Skoda, and Volkswagen have additionally encountered a drop in year-on-year (YoY) gross sales. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the brand-wise gross sales report for the highest 10 best-selling automobile manufacturers for November 2023.
Brands
November 2023
October 2023
MoM Growth (%)
November 2022
YoY Growth (%)
Maruti Suzuki
1,34,158
1,68,047
-20.2%
1,32,395
1.3%
Hyundai
49,451
55,128
-10.3%
48,002
3%
Tata
46,070
48,343
-4.7%
46,040
0.1%
Mahindra
39,981
43,708
-8.5%
30,233
32.2%
Kia
22,762
24,351
-6.5%
24,025
-5.3%
Toyota
16,924
20,542
-17.6%
11,765
43.9%
Honda
8,730
9,400
-7.1%
7,051
23.8%
MG
4,154
5,108
-18.7%
4,079
1.8%
Skoda
3,783
4,566
-17.1%
4,433
-14.7%
Volkswagen
3,095
4,089
-24.3%
3,570
-13.3%
Key Takeaways
Maruti Suzuki witnessed a major drop in MoM gross sales of 20 %, however continues to be comfortably the best-selling automobile model in November 2023, with unit gross sales of greater than 1,34,000 models.
Hyundai hangs onto second spot within the month-to-month gross sales chart by retailing greater than 49,000 vehicles in November 2023, although it too skilled a drop in MoM efficiency at a drop of 10 %.
With over 46,000 models bought in November, Tata retained the third spot within the gross sales desk. Of all of the remaining automobile manufacturers, Tata’s efficiency was probably the most constant in each MoM and YoY gross sales, with the bottom MoM lack of practically 5 %.
Mahindra firmly retains the fourth place in November 2023 by promoting practically 40,000 models. Although Mahindra’s MoM gross sales declined by 8.5 %, its YoY gross sales went up by over 32 %.
Kia was the fifth best-selling automobile model in India in November 2023, having bought greater than 22,700 models. Although Kia skilled a decline in each MoM and YoY gross sales, it’s anticipated to regain market share with the launch of the Kia Sonet facelift in early 2024.
Toyota bought practically 17,000 models final month and recorded the very best YoY progress of round 44 % in November 2023. However, its MoM gross sales went down by over 3,600 models, a decline of over 17 %.
Even Honda skilled a drop in MoM gross sales of seven %. The Japanese carmaker retailed greater than 8,700 models in November 2023, recording constructive YoY progress of practically 24 %.
MG secured the eighth place on the month-to-month gross sales chart by promoting over 4,000 models in November. Despite a loss in MoM gross sales, the model maintained a constant YoY demand.
Skoda and Volkswagen are on the backside of this checklist, falling wanting the 4,000 models gross sales mark. Both manufacturers have skilled losses in each MoM and YoY gross sales. Volkswagen recorded the very best lack of 24.3 % in month-to-month gross sales.
Buying car insurance is an essential step as it determines the financial protection you receive for your car’s losses.
Getting a new car insured is crucial for legal compliance and protection against liabilities, accidents, and natural disasters.
Since it’s now possible to buy car insurance online, it’s important to choose a reputable insurer like Tata AIG to ensure value for money and quality services.
Here are some key reasons to consider buying car insurance from Tata AIG.
About Tata AIG
Tata AIG, a joint venture between Tata Group and American International Group (AIG), has been a top insurance provider in India for over 22 years, offering general insurance, including motor insurance. Their strong points include travel and health insurance as well.
With a dedicated claims team and extensive customer service, Tata AIG ensures quality service for their customers.
Save up to 75% on your Tata AIG car insurance premiums by purchasing online from their website.
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High Claim Settlement Ratio (CSR)
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Access over 8000 network garages across India for cashless services.
Protection Against Third-Party Damage
Coverage for damages and losses to third parties during accidents.
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Protect your car from losses due to accidents, natural disasters, theft, and more.
Customise Your Policy With Add-Ons
Access up to 13 add-ons for comprehensive car insurance protection.
No Claim Bonus (NCB)
Get up to a 50% NCB discount for claim-free years under Tata AIG.
Buy/Renew Your Car Insurance Online
Quick renewals and easy application processes ensure your car is always covered.
24/7 Customer Service
Around-the-clock customer service for policyholders.
Types of Car Insurance Policies by Tata AIG
Stand Alone Third Party Car Insurance
This basic third-party car insurance policy provides legal and financial coverage for third-party damages during accidents but does not cover damages to your car.
Stand Alone Own Damage Car Insurance
This policy covers damages and losses to your car only and can be bought separately or with third-party car insurance.
Comprehensive Car Insurance
This package combines the coverage from a third-party insurance plan and a stand-alone own-damage cover, offering comprehensive protection for both you and the third party during an insured event.
Under Tata AIG, you can choose from 13 unique add-ons to further tailor your policy.
How and Where Can I Get a Tata AIG Car Insurance Policy Online?
You can purchase car insurance online from Tata AIG’s official website. The application process is entirely online, and you only need to provide your contact details and submit your application form.
An insurance agent will finalize the details, and you will receive your policy certificate via email or download it from the official website.
Conclusion
Choosing the right car insurance is crucial for financial protection, and the insurer you choose plays a significant role in determining the quality of services you receive. Tata AIG is a reputable choice in India, offering top-notch services at competitive prices.
Be aware of the pros and cons before purchasing a new car at the end of the year.
Buying a car is a significant investment, and choosing the right time for the purchase is crucial. While festive seasons like Diwali are popular for buying a new car, there is ongoing debate about whether it’s advantageous to buy one at the end of the year. Here, we weigh the pros and cons, starting with the benefits:
Big Discounts
One of the main reasons for buying a new car by the end of the year is the availability of significant discounts. Car manufacturers and dealers aim to clear the current year’s stock to make room for new inventory in the coming year. This often leads to substantial discounts on the current models, allowing buyers to potentially afford a higher variant or a model from a higher segment.
Avoid Price Hikes And Waiting Times
Buying a car at the end of the year helps in evading potential price hikes implemented by manufacturers at the start of the new year. It also decreases the wait time for popular models in the upcoming year.
Additional Benefits
Dealers looking to clear their existing inventory often provide additional deals and benefits, such as discounts on warranty, service packages, free accessories, and even insurance.
Now, let’s review some of the downsides of buying a new car at this time:
Reduced Resale Value
Purchasing a car at the year-end means it’s considered a year older when the new year begins. This can impact the car’s perceived value at resale or trade-in, as it will be considered a year older despite being only a few days or weeks old. However, if you plan to keep the vehicle long-term, the advantages mentioned earlier may outweigh this concern.
Towards the end of the year, carmakers limit the rollout of fresh inventory to dealers, resulting in a restricted selection of variants, engines, and colors. This may require waiting for the new year’s inventory, potentially leading to reduced discounts, increased pricing, and fewer offers.
These are the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new car at the end of the year. Are you considering a new car purchase now or later? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments.
There was a time when the idea of even buying a Japanese car was weird. Americans loved their roomy rides with powerful engines and couldn’t understand why anyone would buy a small underpowered car from another country. Then, in the early 1970s, a global oil crisis hit, and suddenly it seemed reasonable to purchase a cheap, reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle from anywhere, and it just so happened that Japan had the best offerings.
Japanese cars began hitting American shores in the late 1950s but really started taking off in the ’70s thanks to their quality and MPG. There were also some cars like the Datsun 240Z, that weren’t just solid, but also sporty and cool. Nowadays it would seem weird if there weren’t Japanese imports, as they have become as much a part of our culture as the Big Three Detroit automakers.
While Japanese cars are among the greatest sets of wheels to ever roll down American highways, not everything imported from that country was a huge success. Sticking with the weirdness theme, there have been some utterly bizarre imports from Japan that completely flopped, while offending most of the five senses. With odd styling cues and unwanted features there have been some seriously weird Japanese imports sold in America.
While Toyota and Honda were both responsible for some truly sensational import cars over the decades, Japanese automakers had so much more to offer
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Automobile Catalog, Car and Driver, and MotorTrend. We’ve done our best to rank vehicles based on a sliding aesthetics scale from weird to weirdest.
10Mazda REPU
Rotary Failure
Bring a Trailer
From a styling standpoint, the Mazda Rotary Engine Pick-up (REPU) isn’t the wierdest thing ever made. It’s not the greatest-looking truck in existence, but it’s perfectly serviceable as a compact pickup and isn’t likely to cause retching. The name ain’t great and what it stands for, specifically the rotary engine, is why it lands on the list of weird Japanese imports.
The first pickup with a Wankle Rotary Engine is also the only one because it wasn’t a spectacular fit. The idea of a rotary motor is cool, but in practical terms, they use way more gas than a traditional cylinder engine and tend to blast un-ignited fuel out of the tailpipe. Sold only in North America from 1974 to 1977, the Mazda REPU was a failure, selling just 14,366 units, mostly in the first year.
632 Mazda REPUs sold in 1976
The Mazda REPU was discontinued in 1977
9Subaru 360
No Style, No Substance
Bring a Trailer
The Subaru 360 probably doesn’t even qualify as a passenger vehicle and that’s not just mean-spirited trash-talk. Weighing under 1,000 pounds, it was not subject to U.S. highway safety regulations, the same as golf carts and mopeds. Also, with a two-stroke engine it was powered (underpowered) by essentially a chainsaw motor.
The 360 was imported by oddball businessman, Malcolm Bricklin, who also brought the equally awful Yugo to America. While the Subaru import would have been fine on the links, its complete lack of size and safety features made it a deathtrap on the roads. It also had the disadvantage of being an eyesore on four tiny wheels.
8Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak
Draggin’ Too Much Wagon
Tx3/Wikimedia Commons
There was nothing inherently wrong with the styling of the Nissan Pulsar NX that was imported to the U.S. starting in 1987. It was a wedge-shaped sporty coupe that fit in with cars of the 1980s, but for some reason, Nissan made it with a removable hatchback. Again, this isn’t the odd part, but then they offered it with a drop-on station wagon canopy, known as the Sportbak.
Not only was that some poor spelling, but it was also a completely horrendous design. The Pulsar NX Sportbak is a regular on every list of ugliest cars, and it’s not one of those things that were ahead of its time and have since become appreciated. It was strange-looking three decades ago, and it hasn’t matured with age. It was replaced in 1991 by the Nissan NX, sans the weird back end.
The Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak had a removable T-top roof
Despite being a Japanese import, the Pulsar NX Sportbak was designed in the U.S.
From old-school stately limos to the tech-laden cars of today, here are some of the most noteworthy JDM luxury models of all time
7Suzuki X-90
Too Little, Too Late
Via Bring a Trailer
Suzuki has been selling killer motorcycles in the U.S. since the early 1960s, and their foray into passenger vehicles with the Samurai was the cult hit of the 1980s. Not everything the Japanese company has tried to sell in North America, however, has been a hit. To follow up on the Samurai, they came out with the X-90, which is such a weird vehicle, that it defies classification.
The X-90 isn’t a compact SUV, nor is it a subcompact car, but it does have elements of both, just not in a visually pleasing way. It also only had two seats, but it definitely wasn’t a sports car. The few people who actually bought one of these atrocities probably got sick of people shouting “What the hell is that?” at them, but because of the tragically underpowered engine, couldn’t drive away from the laughter fast enough.
7,205 people actually bought a Suzuki X-90 between 1995-1997
MotorTrend named the Suzuki X-90 the #1 worst car of the 1990s
6Subaru SVX
Window of Missed Opportunity
Subaru
The Subaru SVX, introduced to the U.S. for the 1992 model year, isn’t the oddest thing ever made, but it also isn’t the snappiest-looking import. It was Subaru’s attempt to enter the luxury car market, and it came with a price tag that was over ten grand more expensive than anything the company had ever made. Price, however, was not the issue with this flop, the windows were.
Performance Specifications
Engine
3.3-liter H-6
Transmission
Four-speed automatic
Horsepower
230HP
Torque
224 pound-feet
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
7.3 seconds
Top Speed
143 mph
(Data was collected from MotorTrend)
Explained as a “window-within-a-window configuration”, only a portion of the side windows could actually roll down. For some reason, they made the side windows too big to fit inside the door, so they segmented them, never thinking that people may actually want to roll the whole thing down. It also didn’t help that SVX kind of looks like “SUX,” which added to the car sales underperforming.
Subaru planned on selling 10,000 SVX cars a year in North America
Subaru sold 5,280 in 1992 and sales dropped to 640 in its final year
5Toyota Previa
Driving on Eggshells
Vauxford/Wikimedia Commons
Toyota doesn’t make many mistakes, but the Previa minivan sticks out as a glaring error. Designers never even bothered to find out if people wanted to drive an egg-shaped van before unleashing it in the United States in 1991. They found out the hard way that not too many people want to sit in something that hens sit on, and it failed to steal any significant market share away from the successful Chrysler minivans.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.4-liter I-4
Transmission
Four-speed automatic
Horsepower
138HP
Torque
154 pound-feet
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
12.2 seconds
Top Speed
106 mph
(Data was collected from Car and Driver)
The Previa had other issues besides the unappealing styling that helped sink it. It was much more expensive than the Dodge Caravan, the Chrysler Town and Country, and Plymouth Voyager, plus it didn’t offer a V-6 option. In fact, the Previa’s wimpy I-4 was the weirdest thing about the import, because it was mounted under the front seats and could only be accessed by removing the driver’s seat.
The Toyota Previa was sold in the U.S. from 1991-1997
The Previa was replaced by the less-weird Toyota Sienna
4Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
Dorky Incarnate
IFCAR/Wikimedia Commons
Automakers like to give their cars made-up European-sounding names to give them a sense of class and performance. The Subaru Impreza sounds impressively Italian and the Buick LeSaber conjures up images of a mighty sword cutting through the wind. Then, there’s the Nissan Murano, which comes across like a Latin moron.
Performance Specifications
Engine
3.5-liter V-6
Transmission
CRT automatic
Horsepower
265HP
Torque
248 pound-feet
Driveline
All-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
7.7 seconds
Top Speed
134 mph
(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)
Then again, it may be the most apt name for a vehicle, because one would have to be a dope to buy a Nissan CrossCabriolet. Although looks are subjective, the Murano has never been a particularly attractive crossover SUV, but as a convertible, it was one of the dorkiest cars ever conceived. Nissan tried to bury the CrossCabriolet production numbers within the total Murano sales figures, but GetJerry.com untangled them and found that only 5,769 units were sold in three years.
Murano is an island off of Venice, Italy
In Italian, Murano means to wall up or embed within a wall
3Honda Element
Crossover To Wierdness
phototram/Wikimedia Commons
With the exception of the NSX or the S200, Hondas have always been kind of plain, and unassuming vehicles. They are probably the best-made rides ever produced, but for the most part, they are not terribly exciting. They also have never been downright wierd until 2003 with the release of the hump-backed Element crossover SUV.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.4-liter I-4
Transmission
Four-speed automatic
Horsepower
160HP
Torque
161 pound-feet
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
8.4 seconds
Top Speed
114 mph
Towing Capacity
Trucks And SUVs Only!
Payload Capacity
Trucks And SUVs Only!
(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)
Even calling the Element an SUV seems wrong because it was sort of a mutant minivan with a bulbous roof. Adding to the overall unattractiveness of the vehicle were the plastic body panels and accents. Amazingly, 325,000 Elements were sold in the U.S. over 9 years of production, proving that not everyone has a sense of style.
Honda promoted the Element with a crab named Gil, who liked to pinch
The Element also came out with a dog-friendly trim in 2009
2Scion xB
Boxing Match TKO
Yayooo/Wikimedia Commons
A 1949 Ford, a 1957 Chrysler, and a 1957 Chevy are considered “Shoebox” cars, but despite the slightly negative-sounding name, they were hot rides. In 2003, Toyota’s low-rent division, Scion, decided to build a literal shoebox car in the XB, and it was anything but sizzling.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.5-liter I-4
Transmission
Four-speed automatic
Horsepower
108HP
Torque
105 pound-feet
Driveline
Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
11.2 seconds
Top Speed
106 mph
(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)
The only thing the xB had going for it was that it had a slightly better name than the Toyota Yaris on which it was based. The second generation xBs, launched in 2997, attempted to smooth out the sharp edges, but didn’t address the vehicle’s problem with unrepressed boxiness. As bizzare as this car was, it actually did quite well and lasted for 14 model years. Again, not everyone cares how dorky their ride looks.
Toyota pulled the plug of Scion in 2016
The “xB” name is meaningless, other than Scion marketing thought it would resonate with young people
Be it improving upon an existing formula, or taking an unconventional route, automotive innovations put the spotlight on the Japanese way
1Nissan Cube
More Puzzling Than A Rubric’s Cube
TTTNIS/Wikimedia Commons
Anything squared is doubled and anything cubed is tripled. In 1998, Nissan took the odd factor three-fold with the Cube subcompact whatchamacallit. Mercifully, this hideous vehicle stayed out of the North American market for a while, but in 2009, Nissan brought it to the U.S. In a seemingly impossible feat, designers made it even wierd for the American version.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.5-liter I-4
Transmission
Five-speed manual
Horsepower
158HP
Torque
162 pound-feet
Driveline
Front-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
8.4 seconds
Top Speed
123 mph
(Data was collected from Automobile Catalog)
With a window that wrapped around from the driver’s side to the back, the Cube looked like a ride from a bad 1970s dystopian future movie. Despite positively dismal sales numbers, the Cube continued to be sold in the U.S. for nearly a decade. With a boxy design, weird styling, and unnerving general appearance, the Nissan Cube earns the top spot on the weirdest Japanese vehicles to ever be imported to the United States list.
Nissan scored three spots on this weirdest Japanese imports list
Nissan continued to make the Cube for the Japanese market until 2019
I wonder if anyone outside of the world of printer sales is sad that we’re buying fewer of them.
In October, the department store John Lewis stated in its annual ‘How We Shop, Live and Look’ report that its sales of home printers had decreased by 26% during the past year.
The store even admitted that the printer is “resented… a destroyer of homework, voracious devourer of ink” – and it usually tries to be nice enough about things it sells that you will buy one.
Is there a more hated domestic device? The printer industry has a terrible reputation for embracing the worst aspects of the tech world, attempting to control our behavior by forcing the purchase of specific expensive ink cartridges, even if the color you need hasn’t run out, automatically updating software to reduce capability, locking out microchipped cartridges, and trapping us into subscriptions. My toaster doesn’t do that.
“The band Rage Against The Machine never specified which machine they were furious with, but I bet it was a printer,” said one online wit. There are even ‘smash rooms’ where you can pay to beat the living daylights out of one. No other domestic appliance is so despised.
But then I don’t suppose a car is a domestic appliance as it tries to tug the steering wheel from your hands or bongs at you for looking at a scooterist who you’re trying not to run over.
Yes, the latest batch of the European Union’s General Safety Regulations legislation (GSR2), which the UK has adopted too, will come into force in 2024, and it’s now starting to affect the latest cars (plus has necessitated some going off sale). And I fear that it’s going to give the car industry a printer moment.
Our correspondent John Evans recently reported that drivers are finding some of the latest safety features annoying, to the apparent surprise of those who helped to mandate them.
They’ve come from good intentions – printer accidents don’t kill more than 1500 people in the UK each year – but they don’t work well enough, mostly by pinging too many false positives.
When considering purchasing a small appliance, it’s important to weigh the option of getting a full-sized appliance instead. While they may be more expensive initially, full-sized appliances can be more cost-effective for frequent travelers or those who travel in large groups. Luxury camper van owners, for example, may find that larger appliances are worth the investment.
If you’re certain that you’ll have a need for compact appliances in the long term, the next thing to consider is your budget. Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more on trusted brands or ones that come with extended warranties. This can be especially important if you plan on taking your small appliance on your travels, as it’s best to have coverage or access to authorized repair centers wherever you go. After all, constantly replacing a frequently breaking appliance can end up being more expensive.
Depending on where and how you plan on using your appliance – whether it’s at a campsite with solar panels, in your car, or in different countries with varying plug types – you’ll need to think about how to power your device. Investing in voltage converters or plug adapters is a good idea if you plan on charging your appliances outside of your vehicle. Additionally, battery-powered appliances can be a great backup during power outages.
Lastly, it’s important to check the size and weight specifications of your chosen appliance. Whether it’s meant to be integrated into a semi-permanent spot in your RV, stored in a regular vehicle, or occasionally brought on a flight, make sure it complies with any size or weight restrictions that may apply.
When it comes to corded vs cordless power tools, the most noticeable difference is the cord itself. Cordless tools require batteries, which can add to the cost. However, these batteries are often interchangeable with other tools from the same brand. Corded tools, on the other hand, are not as easy to move around with and can create hazards by getting caught or causing tripping accidents. Additionally, cordless tools tend to be a bit heavier because of the battery pack.
Cordless tools offer greater maneuverability since they are not physically restricted by a cord. However, the downside is that batteries eventually run out of power. This means that cordless power tools can only be used for a certain amount of time before needing to be recharged or having to swap in a new battery. On the other hand, corded tools do not have this limitation because they are directly plugged into a power source. They will continue to work until the job is done or the tool malfunctions. However, they are not useful in locations without power outlets or during power outages.
The actual power output is another important factor when comparing corded and cordless tools. Cordless tools are limited by the voltage capacity of the battery, which typically ranges from 12V to 54V depending on the type of tool. It is unlikely to find a cordless tool that exceeds 54V. Corded tools, on the other hand, can have a voltage range between 110V and 240V (depending on the location), which means they can deliver more overall power.
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