2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on the Rubicon trail with the trailer
More Jeeps have found their way onto rental company’s lots this year compared to last year, which helps the brand’s sales numbers but could also tarnish its image.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Jeep’s fleet sales have risen sharply from 2014 based on sales through October. Rental sales are up 57 percent and overall fleet sales are up 11.2 percent, representing almost 80,000 vehicles.
The report also indicated that dealer inventory for six Jeep models are at 70 days, which is above the industry average of 62 days, despite this being a record year for car sales. The Wrangler is the only model below average.
Brands like Jeep often sell more fleet cars to bolster their sales numbers so they can report increases every month. Sales numbers are another form of marketing, as strong sales numbers can increase consumer interest in a brand or vehicle.
2015 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4×4
A Fiat-Chrysler spokesman told the Journal that rental sales for the Cherokee weren’t reported in 2014 but instead were reported in 2015, which is a possible reason for the sharp increase in rental sales.
Other brands have also increased their fleet sales. Cadillac, Mitsubishi and Hyundai have also increased rental sales, and many companies are using rental sales to help passenger car sales as crossovers and SUVs take more sales away from cars like the Toyota Camry.
Subaru and Honda, however, are reluctant to sell to rental fleets as it might dilute the brand’s image and affect resale value.
When automakers release their monthly sales reports, they don’t differentiate between consumer and fleet sales, which can skew the numbers for companies with higher fleet sales. According to the Journal article, rental contracts are often completed in August. The rental registration data was compiled by R.L. Polk, and they don’t publicly disclose their data.
Do you think that rental sales hurt a brand’s or a vehicle’s image? And do you think the automakers should disclose their fleet sales data each month? Start the conversation in the comments below.
Check out this TFLcar video of the Motor Mountain USA 2015 Jeep Wrangler on a search for a plane crash site:
Chevrolet announced plans to unveil the production-ready Bolt at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Propelled by a lithium-ion battery, the new EV crossover promises an all-electric range in the 200-mile neighborhood. Chevy claims an 80% charge can be achieved in just 45 minutes, although it’s unclear whether that’s at standard household 120V or by using a 240V fast-charger. In either case, 200 miles will satisfy most people’s daily driving requirement, although the range at highway speeds should be significantly less. To get the most distance out of the battery, efforts were made throughout the car to make it as slippery as possible. In addition to those narrow side mirrors seen above, the 5-spoke wheels have clear plastic inserts. Shown here in concept form, the Bolt looks somewhat like the love-child of a BMW i3 and a Ford Escape… in a good way. We don’t expect the production version to vary much from the concept shown in these pictures.
Unlike the recently-tested Volt, the Bolt will not come with a gasoline-burning generator to recharge the battery. Expect prices, after incentives, to be in the $30k range… similar or maybe even less than what Elon Musk hopes to get for the yet-to-be-released Tesla Model 3. Other competitors to the Bolt include the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, and hybrid vehicles that offer an electric-only mode for short distance commutes, such as the Chevy Volt (watch the video from TFL’s recent highway MPG test of the Volt below). Rumor has it the car will go on sale in 2016, although exact details have not been provided.
TFLcar will be at the 2016 CES show to bring all the news first. In the meantime, watch the 2016 Chevy Volt take on the real-world highway MPG challenge.
TFLcar’s Roman and Tommy Mica got a loaner 2016 MINI Cooper S from a Tempe, Arizona dealership and took it to the Apache Trail, one of the most scenic roads in the state. How does it compare to their own, older MINI convertible?
The Volcanic Orange 2016 MINI is a more mature vehicle than past MINIs and is much larger as well, although it still looks small compared to other vehicles on the road. Although that means the new MINI has lost some of the small personality of the old MINI, especially the original one, it feels more substantial and a lot safer on highways filled with crossovers and F-150s.
Despite being small, the Cooper S hardtop has good room in the front for even taller drivers. The lack of sunroof helps with headroom, too.
Dynamically, the MINI still feels like a MINI. The wheels are pushed to the corners and the small wheelbase adds to the sporting feel. Steering feel is good, even for an electric steering rack, and toggling the car into sport mode adds some heft.
The Cooper S has the company’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This engine makes the 2,825-pound car properly quick. The company claims a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds with the automatic transmission.
That six-speed automatic shifts well, especially in sport mode, but the manual is the way to go for spirited driving despite a slightly slower 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds.
The automatic MINI doesn’t have official EPA mileage ratings yet, according to the MINI website, but Roman and Tommy managed 28.4 mpg of hard driving, an excellent number for a car that makes close to 200 horsepower.
The 2016 Cooper S in not a cheap car, with a starting price of $24,950, but it is a lot of car for the money.
Would Roman and Tommy pick the new MINI over their old one? Watch the full video to find out.
Buying a Porsche is something that is on many car enthusiasts’ bucket lists and more than a few of them will make it one of their New Year’s resolutions. But alas, not many have the budget for a brand-new 911.
TFLcar is here to help. It is possible, thanks to the magic of depreciation, to pick up a real Porsche without taking out a second mortgage. Sure, anyone could pick up a clapped-out 924 for less than two grand, but these are real Porsches that don’t need a frame-off restoration to drive.
All cars here were found on Craigslist or eBay, and while they may not still be available when you read this, it shows that it is possible to find a good used Porsche for not a lot of cash.
1972 Porsche 914 1.7
5. Porsche 914 – The 914 has become the forgotten Porsche. Developed collaboratively by Porsche and Volkswagen, the 914 was meant to replace the 912 as the entry-level Porsche. It was available with either a VW-derived flat four or a Porsche-derived flat six mounted in the middle of the car instead of in the back like the 911. While the expensive 914/6 didn’t sell well, the 914/4 did, so they are much more plentiful in the used car market. A fringe benefit is that nice examples like the one above can be had for the price of a used Civic. This car, found on eBay, is a 1972 914 1.7 in fine shape for less than $10K. (If the ad is gone, click here.)
1984 Porsche 928S
4. Porsche 928 – The 928 had the unenviable task as the 911’s replacement, something that Porsche enthusiasts and the free market didn’t let happen. It did, however, become a classic in its own right. It was Porsche’s first V-8 and it was a radical departure from the 911. It was front-engined and water-cooled, plus the organic rounded shape was a stark contrast to the 911’s Beetle-on-steroids look. The 928 is becoming more collectible, but it doesn’t mean that it’s expensive. This 1984 928S found on Craigslist in the Los Angeles area is a fine example of the early 928, but at only $16,000, it’s a relative bargain. (If the ad is gone, click here.)
1988 Porsche 944 Turbo S
3. Porsche 944 Turbo – The 944 was Porsche’s attempt to apologize for the 924, taking that car’s basic shape and platform and turning it into a true Porsche. The Turbo was the ultimate 944, taking the base car’s excellent handling – aided by the rear-mounted transmission and 50/50 weight bias – and adding serious power. The 944’s four-cylinder engine was derived from the 928’s V-8 – it was essentially one side of the V – and the turbo sent horsepower ratings above 200, no small feat for the early 80s. The Turbo S was an even faster version of the 944, making 247 horsepower, and was the fastest four-cylinder car of its era. This 1988 944 Turbo S found on Craigslist is a pricey but pristine example of the model at nearly $20K, but less expensive examples are available to those with less disposable income. (If the ad is gone, click here.)
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
2. Porsche 911 (water-cooled) – The 911 is the iconic Porsche, tracing its roots back to the 60s and with the signature flat-six engine mounted behind the rear wheels. For the 1998 model year, however, Porsche did what was at the time the unthinkable: it replaced air cooling with water cooling. Purists revolted, but water cooling was necessary to meet increasing emissions standards and modern performance demands. The first generation water-cooled 911, known internally as the 996, is typically the most inexpensive 911 on the used market. It’s not uncommon to find good used examples for under $30K. This one, a 2003 Carrera 4S found on Craigslist, is less than $24K and is in good condition. It has some miles and it’s an automatic, but similar examples can be found with a manual gearbox. (If the ad is gone, click here.)
1977 Porsche 911S
1.Porsche 911 (air-cooled) – Air-cooled 911s are the Porsche holy grail. For many, they are the only real Porsches. Since they were made for a very long time – up until 1997 – it’s easy to find plenty of examples of almost any kind. Prices vary, of course, but whether it’s an original 911, a mid-70’s Targa, a fire-breathing Turbo or a last-of-the-breed 993, they’re all out there for sale somewhere. This fine example, a 1977 911S found on eBay, is available for just under $30K and is a great first 911. It has the 2.7-liter version of the flat six engine and clean, uncluttered lines. (If the ad is gone, click here.)
TFLcar hasn’t had a Porsche to test for a while, but you can still check out this 0-60 performance test of the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S:
Ingolstadt-based Audi has announced the addition of an all-new Q2 to its lineup of crossover SUVs. Expected to make an appearance in 2016, the Audi Q2 will slot below the Q3 in the model lineup and is likely to compete against the BMW X1 and the Mercedes GLA-class. The Q2 is reported to borrow from the Crosslane Concept (pictured below), which was first shown at the 2012 Paris Auto Show. Rupert Stadler, CEO for Audi, described the Q2 as “a different type of Q model, emotional and very sporty.” The company had also previously announced a Q1 would appear in 2016 during a shareholder meeting last year. There is no word yet on whether or not the Q2 will replace the Q1 or if both models will debut in the new year.
Audi Crosslane Concept
We would not be surprised if we saw both the Q1 and Q2 introduced, given Audi’s affinity for its popular Q models. In addition to the existing Q3, Q5, and Q7, there are plans for an electric-only Q6, and Q8 based on the Q7, and a Q4 based on the Q3. While it can be difficult to keep all these vehicles straight in this age of alpha-numeric names, Audi’s approach is at least somewhat straight-forward.
Fans of the best-selling Q5 have reason to celebrate. The next generation of the Q5 will debut in 2016 as well. No word yet on how it will differ from the outgoing model but we expect the changes to be evolutionary in nature given the current Q5’s sales success. Check out the video below of the current-gen Q5 going head-to-head against the Toyota Sequoia so you’re well versed when the new model debuts.
What is the highest drivable mountain in Georgia? It is the highest mountain top in the state – Brasstown Bald. The #MMUSA crew once again struggled to reach the elevation of 4,784 feet above sea level.
The park was closed the day we arrived due to near freezing temperatures. The skies were clear and the wind was low, so Nathan and Andre hunkered down for the 0.6 mile hike. If the park was open, then the access road would have allowed us to drive directly up to the castle-like observation tower at the summit. It is a well-maintained facility with handicapped access provided by an elevator.
The views from the top were worth the trip. One can see for miles in all directions.
One of the best ways of experiencing America first hand is hitting the open road with the windows and top down in the 2015 Jeep Rubicon Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock. The Motor Mountain USA (#MMUSA) team embarks upon an epic road trip by visiting the highest drivable roads of every state in the USA. Along the way Nathan, Roman, Andre and Emme will visit locales less traveled and uniquely American attractions that make the United States one of the world’s favorite tourist destinations.
The Georgia belt buckle is hidden on the way up to the Brasstown Bald summit. Watch the episode below to see the whole adventure and the precise location of the buckle.
Buying an 80s icon; the 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z?
Today’s first question comes from a fan who wants an option to the pricy Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic.
Q: Hi guys and hi Nathan.
I have a problem and I was hoping you could help. I am in love with the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 with 4Matic but I simply cannot afford it. Equipped the way I want it, the price is well over $40,000 and that is too much for me to get affordable financing for. I finally gave up and now I’m looking for an alternative that’s $10,000 cheaper.
I won’t touch Subaru because they don’t like TFLcar. Also, I find their cars unattractive. I don’t trust any company that can handle real world results.
What do you think? I want a car that has presence and is fun to drive. I live near San Diego, CA, but I ski from time to time and want AWD. I own a big dog and fly RC planes, so I need a hatch. I know you love manual transmissions, but I live in traffic and don’t need to be constantly shifting. A non CV-T automatic is what I want.
Can you help me?
Donnie. F
Oceanside, CA
A: Thanks for the great email, Donnie!
First, thanks for your perspective about Subaru. Despite everything, they do make solid and safe cars.
I think I have a good ride for you. Have you looked at the 2016 Mazda CX-3? It is a terrific option and a well-featured model runs about 10K less than the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 4Matic you were looking at. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised about the way the Mazda CX-3 drives and its AWD system is terrific.
The presentation of the Mazda CX-3 is pretty good too. It’s a fresh design and the interior is well appointed. Front seats are remarkably comfortable, but the back seats are a hair cramped.
Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Good luck!
N.
By the way: I like the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 too. Wait a year or two and look at the CPO (certified pre-owned) GLAs. You might be surprised!
This next question comes from a big fan who wants a used MINI Cooper S for school. One that costs less than $6,000.
Q: Roman and Nathan! You guys are awesome! Can you help me? I want to buy a 2004 Mini Cooper S for $5,500. It has less than 74,000 miles and its in great shape. The owner has all of the service records and the thing is immaculate.
Both of you like Mini’s and I know that Roman had that convertible. I have watched every one of your Mini reviews and you always seem to love themn. I know that they cost a lot to maintain, but I am okay with that.
Is thete any reason to not buy this car?
Thanks guys. I am such a big fan!
Leslie
Rancho Cucamonga, California
A: Hi Leslie!
Roman and I agree and the price sounds right. Keep this in mind: MINI owners tend to buy the cars to drive them in a spirited way. That is to say, you need to double check components like brakes, tires, and suspension.
Make sure the steering wheel does not shimmy and/or shake when your driving or braking. After you check it, make sure there is no burning oil smell either.
We hope that everything works out with your purchase. The older “new” MINIs were my personal favorites!
Best of luck!
N
The last question comes from a long-time fan who wants an older Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. Interesting,
Q: Hi Nathan. I have been keeping track of you since your Vehix and Autodriver days. Love your writings anf videos and I find that our car tastes are similar. Also, I have a liking for cars from the 1970s and 1980s.
I am looking for a project and saw an ad for a 1987 Chevy Camaro IROCZ. Here are the details.
1987 I-ROCZ z28, 5.0 305v8 TPI, Engine oil cooler, 5 speed, 16 in I ROCZ wheels, T-tops, Power windows, Power seats, Tilt steering, Limited slip differential, Defogger rear, Air conditioning, power mirrors and cruise control. $5,900.
You used to own a similar Camaro. Would you buy something like this? It’s yellow and spotless.
Thanks for reading my email. Keep the great videos coming!
C.C.
A: Greetings C.C.
Thanks for taking an interest in my career! I must be honest, I never owned an IROC-Z Z28 or even an RS. My 1985 Chevrolet Camaro was a base model V6. I modified it to make it run and drive like an RS, but it was never anything like the IROC-Z you’re talking about.
With that being said, when it comes to projects of the heart, I always say make yourself happy. If this car makes you feel special, or if it simply makes you happy – buy it! Sure, you might suffer from buyers remorse, but it sounds like you’ve been thinking about this purchase for a while.
Besides, the Camaro IROC-Z was SO cool!
Cheers!
N
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
The 2016 Toyota Camry hybrid allows sparkling fuel economy for a fairly large mid-size sedan that looks good and is enjoyable to drive.
The front-drive Camry sedan never has been anyone’s hot rod, but the 2015 model was made racier, with almost all-new rakish sheet metal. It was a bit longer, with a slightly wider track and better road manners. Nothing new here for 2016.
A price must be paid for more rakish, aerodynamic styling. The Camry’s new styling gave it a low front end that can be damaged by high curbs and such. However, the front end is high enough to clear common obstacles.
The interior of the 2015 Camry was nicely redone and made quieter, and spring and shock absorber rates had different tuning for each model–from basic to sportier.
The Camry long has been among the top-selling mid-size sedans, so Toyota wasn’t about to change the car much for 2016. It remains a no-fuss, safe, reliable auto that doesn’t cost much to run. Just turn the key and go.
The regular 2016 Camry has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with 178 horsepower or a 3.5-liter gas V-6 with 268 horsepower.
The 2016 Camry Hybrid has a sophisticated 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a small high-torque electric motor. The system produces 200 horsepower. It varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both, as needed. The system works seamlessly with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Depending on trim level, Camry Hybrid prices go from $26,790 to $30,140. I tested the mid-range $27,995 SE model. The Camry Hybrid is available in LE, SE and XLE grades so hybrid drivers can have the same luxury and sportiness available in the Camry gasoline model XLE and SE grades.
The Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain allows a (conservatively rated, in my opinion) 7.6 second 0-60 mph time and swift passing on highways.
The hybrid system has no black magic. Through its transaxle, Hybrid Synergy Drive combines output from the four-cylinder engine and electric motor. Regenerative braking converts the electric motor to a generator that captures kinetic energy when the brake is applied, storing it in the hybrid battery pack.
Hill-start assist control helps prevent the car from rolling backward when starting off on an incline when the brake pedal is released.
Toyota’s media information says the Camry Hybrid’s estimated fuel economy is 43 miles per gallon in the city and 39 on highways, although the price sticker on my test Camry Hybrid SE sedan put the figures lower–at 40 city and 38 highway.
The easily read three-dimensional Optitron gauges had an indicator with a needle that pointed to “CHG” mode for charging the system when driving, “Eco” to optimize throttle response and air conditioning output to help prioritize fuel economy, besides “PWR” when accelerating hard.
Toyota says an “EV” mode lets the Camry Hybrid operate only on the electric motor for up to 1.6 miles at below approximately 25 mph.
A TFT screen’s color animation displays a range of vehicle functions and coordinates with a multimedia system to display audio, navigation, warnings and communications. It’s also networked with the direct Tire Pressure Monitor System so you can see the pressure in each tire.
For sportier drivers, the Camry Hybrid SE might be the best choice among the three Camry Hybrid models.
The SE is among the raciest-looking Camrys with such items as black sport trim bezels, color-keyed rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels with a graphite finish and chrome-tipped exhaust. Discrete “Hybrid Energy Drive” emblems are on the front fenders and trunk.
The Camry Hybrid SE has premium soft-touch materials, attractive stitching on the seats and dashboard and many comfort, convenience and safety items.
For instance, there’s an 8-way supportive power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, 12-volt power outlets, Entune audio with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, backup camera, push-button start and a TFT multi-information display. and a fold-down rear seatback with a pass-through.
However, instead of the 60/40 split rear seatbacks found in many cars, only one of the Camry Hybrid’s rear seatbacks folds forward (with a pass-through area) on the rear passenger side because of space taken by the Hybrid system.
Still, the trunk is roomy, although it has a rather high opening. And there’s no trunk lid interior pull-down feature such as a strap or handle to help close it more easily.
All doors open wide and contain generous storage pockets. There’s also a deep covered console bin. All cupholders are easily reached.The heated power outside mirrors automatically fold toward the side door glass when the car is turned off to prevent parking lot damage.
There’s plenty of room for tall adults, although the center of the rear seat is firm.
A power tilt/slide moonroof is a $915 option.
The thick leather-trimmed steering wheel allows a confident grip. The rather firm steering is quick, and the regenerative braking feature doesn’t cause unusual brake pedal feel.
My test car’s handling was quite good because the SE has specific suspension tuning with a unique stabilizer bar, shock absorber valve structure and control arm bushing components. There’s also a vehicle stability control system that has been retuned for smoother intervention and a more natural driving feel.
The ride is supple, with the suspension easily soaking up bumps.
Traction controls is also standard, as are anti-lock brakes with a Smart-Stop technology brake-override system.
Contributing to safety are ten air bags.
The hood glides up smoothly on twin struts, and all fluid filler areas can be easily reached, particularly the one for the engine oil.
The fuel gauge needle on my test Camry Hybrid remained on the “full” mark despite a fair amount of freeway and suburban street driving done at normal speeds.
That, alone, helped give the Camry Hybrid special appeal.
On the TFLcar scale of:
Buy it!
Lease it!
Rent it!
… or Forget it!
Toyota’s fuel-saving Hybrid Energy System makes an attractive car even more inviting and gets a Lease It! rating. The sedan’s strong fuel economy numbers, roomy cabin, and nice ride are its winning points. The especially sharp handling and sport looks of the SE model raises the bar even more. Points were taken away for the Camry Hybrid’s low front end, high trunk opening and limited pass-thru opening between the cabin and trunk space.
The Toyota Camry XSE is the sportiest Camry you can buy. With 18-inch wheels, firmer suspension and paddle shifters, is this Camry XSE ready to dance when the road gets twisty? Find out as Roman gets behind the wheel of the boldest Camry ever built.
2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE Specs:
MSRP: $27,995
Total hybrid system power: 200 hp
Engine: 2.5L DOHC w/dual VVT-I 4-cylinder
Power: 156 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque: 156 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Electric motor: permanent magnet AC synchronous motor
While TFL hasn't reviewed too many Subarus in the past few years, I just seized the opportunity to buy a bargain of a WRX for my next long-term daily driver.
On the TFLcar scale of:
