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Tips for Getting Your Car Ready for Cross-Country Excursions

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The allure of a road trip lies in its freedom and the unknown adventures that await. However, the key to a memorable and hassle-free journey is in the preparation. This guide walks you through the essential steps to prepare your car and home. Get ready to set out for a smooth and enjoyable experience on the open road!

get your car ready for cross-country

Thorough Vehicle Inspection for a Safe Journey

Begin your road trip preparations by conducting a detailed inspection of your vehicle. This involves checking tire pressure, brakes, oil, and fluid levels. It’s also essential to ensure that your spare tire is in prime condition and that you have all the necessary tools for essential repairs. This proactive approach not only enhances safety but also helps prevent inconvenient breakdowns.

Securing Your Peace of Mind with Auto Insurance

Reviewing your auto insurance policy is critical before embarking on a road trip. Make sure your coverage is adequate for the trip ahead. Consider the market value of your vehicle, its age, the age of the insured drivers, and any additional coverage you might need. This step is crucial for peace of mind, knowing that you’re well-protected against unforeseen circumstances.

Moreover, confirm that your car insurance is suitable for the duration and destination of your trip. Depending on the length of your journey and the destinations you plan to visit, you may need to adjust your coverage. This precaution ensures that your insurance meets your specific travel needs.

Managing Your Trip Budget with Prudence

Effective management of your finances is vital for a stress-free road trip. Embrace the convenience of modern technology; utilize a scanner app to track receipts and convert them into digital format. You can use this to scan a document and transform your phone into a powerful tool for maintaining your budget. By organizing your expenses digitally, you can enjoy your journey without the worry of overspending.

Charting Your Adventure Routes

Advance planning of your route is essential for a seamless road trip. Consider factors like distance, driving time, and potential stops. It’s also essential to ensure that your GPS or navigation system is updated and functioning properly. This step not only saves time but also helps in discovering exciting and less-traveled paths.

Taking Essential Documents With You

Don’t overlook the importance of carrying essential documents such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Keep photocopies or digital copies in a secure location. This preparedness ensures that you’re ready for any legal requirements or emergencies.

Packing Emergency Kit Essentials

Safety should always be your top priority. Prepare an emergency kit containing first-aid supplies, a flashlight, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food. Being prepared for any unexpected situation provides a sense of security, allowing you to focus on the joy of your journey.

Showing Your Home TLC Before Departure

Prior to leaving, address any household chores that could pose issues in your absence. Secure all windows and doors, unplug appliances, and inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your travel plans. This step ensures that your home remains safe and sound so you can travel with a calm mind.

The Bottom Line

A well-planned road trip can lead to an unforgettable adventure. You can set the stage for a seamless and enjoyable experience by taking care of your car, reviewing your insurance, managing your budget, planning your route, packing essential documents, preparing an emergency kit, attending to your home, and ensuring proper car insurance. So gear up, hit the road, and embrace the freedom and excitement that awaits!

Ford Lightning Cost: Complete Breakdown

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When we first told you about the electric Ford Lightning, we weren’t sure what the price would look like and how the cost of ownership would compare with the gas or diesel models. With the trucks now on the roads, we can finally discuss the true Ford Lightning cost you can expect.

Ford Lightning Cost
Ford Media

Breakdown of Ford Lightning Cost

So, what does the Ford Lighting price look like? Let’s start by looking at the cost to buy the truck. The Ford F-150 Lightning Pro will cost you about $49,995. However, any accessories will cost more. For example, if you choose to put in charging equipment to the build, you might spend another $500. Every full charge runs about $14, so about $200 each month. Additionally, the average maintenance cost for EVs is about $77 a year.

These prices might not seem so reasonable, but it sits just about average of other EVs on the market. Even the average purchase price of a non-luxury model is about $45,000. It’s unlikely that you will choose the base model without any added features, but at least the price starts at this mark.

Of course, the F-150 EV is more expensive than the gas truck. It will run just about $10k more to start, so that’s nothing to shake a stick at. However, with the money saved on fuel, you can make this money back in no time.

What About Depreciation?

Another factor to consider is how quickly the Ford Lightning will depreciate. EVs tend to depreciate faster than regular models. In fact, you can expect about a 50% depreciation rate in the first three years of owning an EV, compared to about 35% with regular vehicles. A lot of this has to do with the lack of demand for used EVs.

So, what are your thoughts? Is the Ford Lighting cost going to be worth the expense?

New Car Warranty Lengths – Listed by Automaker (2024)

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If you want to purchase a new vehicle, the warranty term will be an essential consideration. New car warranty lengths vary by manufacturer, so you want to do your homework. You can combine this information against the cars with free maintenance to ensure you are completely covered.

new car warranty

New Car Warranty Terms

Here are a handful of the most popular automakers and the warranty terms currently offered.

  • Acura: 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain
  • Buick: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain
  • Cadillac: 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain
  • Chevrolet: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain
  • Dodge: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain
  • Ford: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
  • Genesis: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain
  • Honda: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
  • Hyundai: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain
  • Infiniti: 4-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain
  • Jaguar: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
  • Jeep: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain
  • Kia: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain
  • Lexus: 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain
  • Lincoln: 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain
  • Mitsubishi: 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain
  • Nissan: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
  • Subaru: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
  • Tesla: 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain
  • Toyota: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
  • Volkswagen: 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain

Best New Car Warranty

Hyundai is known as providing America’s Best Warranty along with its subsidiaries. Along with the warranty coverage outlined above, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis also offer these perks.

  • Anti-perforation warranty for 7 years or unlimited miles
  • Limited warranty on replacement parts and accessories for 1 year or 12,000 miles
  • 24-hour roadside assistance for 5 years with unlimited miles
  • Federal emission defect and performance warranty for 8 years or 80,000 miles
  • Hybrid and electric vehicle battery warranty for 10 years or 100,000 miles

Worst New Car Warranty

It seems to be that some of the American automakers fall short of typical warranty lengths. Among the lowest currently offered are Chevrolet, Buick, Dodge and Jeep. It wouldn’t hurt to consider adding an extended warranty to any of these new brands.

Empowering Small Businesses: Web-Based Updates for Success

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In today’s digital age, small businesses (like dealerships and repair shops) have the opportunity to thrive like never before by leveraging web-based updates to their advantage. These updates encompass a range of strategies and enhancements that can help dealerships and repair shops expand their reach, improve user experience, and boost overall success. In this article, we will explore key web-based updates that benefit small businesses, guiding you through each essential point to ensure your online presence is optimized for growth and profitability.

Small businesses - meeting

Mobile-Friendly Design

Embracing responsive web design is crucial for ensuring your website is accessible and visually appealing on various devices, especially mobile phones. Today, a significant portion of web traffic comes from mobile users. Therefore, engaging with professional web designers who specialize in creating mobile-friendly websites is a wise investment. Their expertise can significantly impact your online visibility and user engagement, ultimately leading to increased conversions and customer satisfaction.

Efficient Image and Document Management

Before embarking on a website upgrade, it’s essential to collect all the necessary images and documents required. To streamline the process and ensure effective collaboration with your web designer, consider merging these resources into a single, organized PDF file. A free online tool makes it easier for you to combine PDF files and create a well-organized repository of images and documents that ultimately enhances the overall user experience.

Accessibility for All Users

Prioritizing accessibility is not just a matter of inclusivity; it’s a legal and ethical obligation. Adhering to WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) ensures that your website is usable by individuals with disabilities. Implement features such as alt text for images, keyboard navigation, and clear headings to enhance the user experience for all visitors. By making your website accessible, you not only comply with regulations but also broaden your potential audience and demonstrate a commitment to providing an inclusive online environment.

Fresh Content Updates

Maintaining fresh and engaging website content is pivotal in both attracting and retaining visitors. To achieve this, businesses should contemplate hiring professional writers and establish a routine for updating blog posts, product descriptions, and other pertinent information, ensuring that their site remains relevant and informative. Consistent content updates not only serve as a magnet for new visitors but also bolster the loyalty of existing customers, as they witness a commitment to offering valuable and up-to-date information, thereby fostering trust and credibility crucial for sustained success.

Online Payment Processing Integration

Streamlining the customer experience is paramount in today’s fast-paced digital world. Integrating secure and user-friendly online payment processing systems is a game-changer. This convenience can boost sales, reduce cart abandonment rates, and improve overall customer satisfaction. When customers find it easy and secure to make payments on your website, they are more likely to complete their transactions, contributing to increased revenue and enhanced customer loyalty.

Investment in Online Advertising Space for Small Businesses

To expand your online presence, allocate a portion of your budget to online advertising. Target your audience through platforms like social media, or relevant industry websites. Properly managed online advertising campaigns can significantly increase your brand’s visibility and drive traffic to your website. By strategically investing in online advertising, you can reach a broader audience, attract potential customers, and compete effectively in the digital marketplace.

Web-based updates offer small businesses a powerful arsenal to compete and succeed in today’s digital marketplace. By ensuring mobile-friendliness, efficient media management, accessibility, etc., your business can thrive online. Embrace these updates and invest in your online presence to unlock new growth opportunities and enhance your brand’s visibility and profitability. Stay ahead of the curve, and let web-based updates be the catalyst for your small business’s success in the digital era.

If you’re an auto dealership or repair shop, Car Blog Writers can help you engage customers with unique and relevant content.

This is a guest post written by Dean Burgess. 

10 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems You Should Know About

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We often spend time talking about the driver-assistance features in new cars, but rarely get the chance to explain what each one is. In today’s post, we will break down 10 advanced driver assistance systems you should know about. While many people see them as luxuries, we think many of these should be standard technology.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Bosch

Adaptive Cruise Control

You will find this driver-assist feature beneficial while traveling at highway speeds. Instead of monitoring the cruise control system, this system automatically slows your vehicle based on other traffic. The technology monitors the trucks and cars traveling in front of you to determine an appropriate speed. At specified speed thresholds, this system shuts down.

Adaptive Light Control

Never have you been able to see as well, then with adaptive light control. This technology allows your car headlights to rotate and swivel for additional illumination through corners and other tight areas.

Blind Spot Detection

A major cause for accidents is because of the blind spot. With this new detection system, drivers receive the information needed to make safe turns and lane changes. Systems set off alarms or illuminate a warning when there is something in the blind spot.

Collision Avoidance Systems

Various sensors are utilized in a collision avoidance setup. These tend to work in proximity of pedestrians, vehicles, roadway obstructions and animals. Any time the car is in danger of hitting another object, the system warns the driver.

Driver Drowsiness Detection

Awareness detection and driver drowsiness systems monitor when a driver’s attention begins to wander. Some technology notices when the driver’s head starts to nod while others use sensors similar to lane detection warning systems.

Hill Descent Control button
Auto Guide

Hill Descent Control

This driver-assist technology handles descending steep inclines with ease. It activates the brake to slow down your vehicle. Some of them work in conjunction with the cruise control system as well.

Intelligent Speed Adaptation

This system requires various information to help drivers maintain a specified speed limit. It monitors your current speed and then compares it against the local speed limits to adjust as necessary.

Lane Departure Warning Systems

Sensors are utilized to ensure the vehicle doesn’t leave its lane. If your car begins to drift, an alarm sounds to give you time to make a correction. If you don’t, the tech goes further and implements corrective actions.

Night Vision

Drivers struggle to see objects at night, but not with this technology. Active night vision projects infrared light while passive night vision relies on thermal energy emanated from animals, objects and cars.

Tire Pressure Monitoring system
AutoBlog

Tire Pressure Monitoring

Drivers gain easy access to tire pressure information with this system. The inflation level of every tire is monitored and alerts are sent when needed.

Do You Use Advanced Driver Assistance Systems?

If you drive a modern car, it’s likely that you have many of these new systems already in place. Let us know what your experience has been and which innovations you think are most beneficial.

Prolong Your Vehicle’s Lifespan: A Guide to Proper Maintenance Practices

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Ensuring the durability of a vehicle is paramount for any car owner. Attention to maintenance not only promises extended vehicle life but also shields against incurring expensive repairs. This article is dedicated to imparting pivotal tips that are essential in fostering car endurance, providing a straightforward roadmap for maintaining one’s vehicle. Without extensive knowledge, you can effectively extend your vehicle’s lifespan.

extend vehicle's lifespan
Image by senivpetro on Freepik

Attentive Tire Management

Every vehicle’s contact with the road begins and ends with the tires. Ensuring they are properly inflated not only contributes to fuel efficiency but also reduces wear, extending their life. Regular checks for alignment correct any veering tendencies, while monitoring tread depth keeps grip and safety in check. Establishing a routine for tire care is a fundamental component in maintaining one’s car and prolonging the vehicle’s lifespan.

Enhancing Vehicle Security

Maintaining one’s vehicle also means safeguarding it against potential thefts and break-ins, which are detrimental to its longevity. By investing in robust security measures like reliable alarm systems and steering wheel locks, one can significantly reduce the risk of their vehicle being targeted by thieves. These security measures act as both deterrents and protection, ensuring the safety of both the vehicle and its contents.

Digitizing Documents

Maintaining one’s vehicle extends to how one keeps records of all maintenance tasks. Transitioning from physical logbooks to digital records can be a game-changer. For those who haven’t yet, try a PDF file converter to digitize your vehicle’s maintenance history. This method ensures easy access, efficient organization, and better management of your car’s care records, making it simpler to track routine checks and services.

Fluid Maintenance

The lifeblood of any vehicle lies in its fluids. Diligent monitoring and timely replacement of crucial fluids such as engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant are integral to the vehicle’s performance and safety. These fluids ensure that the internal components are well-lubricated, temperatures are regulated, and the vehicle runs at peak efficiency, thus, maintaining one’s vehicle in top condition.

Functional Lighting

Visibility is key when it comes to safe driving. Ensuring that headlights, taillights, and signal lights are fully operational is a critical aspect of vehicle maintenance. Not only is it a legal requirement, but functional lighting also provides communication with other drivers and helps to avoid potential accidents, maintaining the vehicle and passenger safety.

Optimal Vehicle Shelter

Where one parks their vehicle can have a significant impact on its condition. Parking in a garage or under a carport can protect the vehicle from weather-related damage such as hail or sun exposure. It also keeps it safe from environmental contaminants and potential vandalism, playing a crucial role in maintaining one’s vehicle’s appearance and functionality.

Comprehensive Cleaning

The importance of keeping a vehicle clean, both inside and out, goes beyond aesthetics. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of damaging chemicals and dirt that can eat away at the paint, undercarriage, and interior fabrics. A clean vehicle is less likely to harbor rust and corrosion, thus extending its lifespan and ensuring the comfort and health of its occupants.

Windshield Wiper Upkeep

Visibility during adverse weather conditions is heavily reliant on the condition of the vehicle’s windshield wipers. Replacing them when they start to streak or skip ensures that the windshield remains clear for safe driving. It’s a simple yet often overlooked aspect of maintaining one’s vehicle that can make a significant difference in driving safety.

Extend Your Vehicle’s Lifespan

Adopting these essential maintenance practices will significantly contribute to the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. Maintaining one’s vehicle with regular care not only enhances performance but also ensures safety and reduces the likelihood of costly future repairs. Be attentive, proactive, and diligent in vehicle care to ensure it remains a dependable companion on the road for many miles to come.

Guest post provided by Dean Burgess

2023 Cars.com American-Made Index Winners

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If you are hoping to buy American, the latest Cars.com report should help you out. Every year, the American-Made Index is released and this year’s winners are quite the surprise. Let’s jump right in.

American-Made Index - Tesla Model Y

2023 American-Made Index Winners

Tesla comes out the sure winner this year with the most models on the list. Here are the top 12 winners out of the 100 on the list.

  1. Tesla Model Y
  2. Tesla Model 3
  3. Tesla Model S
  4. Tesla Model X
  5. Honda Passport
  6. Volkswagen ID.4
  7. Honda Odyssey
  8. Acura MDX
  9. Honda Ridgeline
  10. Acura RDX
  11. Honda Accord
  12. Toyota Tundra

American-Made Criteria

How does Cars.com choose which models are the most “American-made?” The automotive publication uses five criteria to make its decision. These include the following:

  • Assembly location – where the vehicle gets assembled
  • Parts content – how many of the parts come from American factories
  • Engine origin – the country where the engine comes from
  • Transmission origin – the country where the transmission comes from
  • U.S. manufacturing workforce – how many of the employees are from the United States

In total, 388 vehicles undergo examination based on these factors. However, only the top 100 make the index. Anything lower than this probably isn’t very American.

What may surprise you is that some of these winners aren’t American companies. If you want to buy American, you may find that choosing a Japanese or German company may be a better option, as most of our domestic brands don’t seem to be very “American.”

What Makes Tesla so American?

Based on the methodology of Cars.com, the car needs to be built in the United States. Most of Tesla’s models come from either Fremont, California, or Austin, Texas. Plus, the battery factor is located in Sparks, Nevada. Aside from that, the majority of the workforce is American, so it makes sense that this automaker is taking up the first four spots of the index.

Brand-New Electric Car Models Coming in 2024

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2024 is ramping up to be an exciting automotive year, with several new additions being added.  Here are the top electric car models expected this upcoming year.

new electric car models
Acura Newsroom

2024 Acura ZDX

In early 2024 we will see the new ZDX from Acura. This is the company’s first electric SUV and it boasts of a traditional shape. It also comes with a Google-based infotainment system and offers a Type S that is supposed to be the most powerful and quickest accelerating SUV yet. We expect this SUV to start around $60k.

BMW USA

2024 BMW i5

Very soon, the BMW i5 will be released. This all-electric sedan pumps out up to 590 horsepower. Expect the new EV to cost nearly $67,000 for the base model.

Future Cars - Cadillac Celestiq
Road and Track

2024 Cadillac Celestiq

We told you about the new Celestiq several years ago when it was simply a fun concept. Now, this Cadillac EV is becoming a reality. However, most people won’t be able to own this car at a price of $345k. It will produce nearly 600 horsepower with its dual-motor, all-wheel drive configuration.

Honda Newsroom

2024 Honda Prologue

The first electric SUV from Honda arrives early next year. It has an MSRP around $45k and it’s going to share the GM Ultium platform. We expect more than 300 miles of range from the SUV.

Volvo new electric car model
Wikipedia

2024 Volvo EX30

This Volvo EV goes on sale yet this year with an MSRP of $34,950. It’s the most affordable and smallest option from Volvo with a 268-horsepower base model. This Volvo also boasts of about 275 miles of range when choosing the Extended model.

VW ID Buzz
Volkswagen Newsroom

2024 / 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz

This electrified Volkswagen goes on sale next summer, so we aren’t sure if it will be a 2024 or 2025 model year. However, we know that the long-wheelbase model has an MSRP around $55k and it is rated for 282 horsepower.

What Electric Car Models are You Excited About?

Is there a particular brand or model you are waiting for? Let us know in the comments below.

New Cars With a Manual Transmission: The Complete List for 2023

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It’s not easy to find new cars with a manual transmission anymore. These vehicles are a dying breed, but some automakers are still hanging in there. Here’s the complete list of new vehicles that come with a stick shift in 2023. Let us know if we missed any.

New cars with a manual transmission

2023 Cars With a Manual Transmission

Acura

Acura Integra

That’s right fans! The Integra is back. This compact hatchback comes with an available six-speed manual to go with the 200-horsepower turbo-four.

BMW/MINI

BMW M2

There’s a new M2 scheduled for release with a 453-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six and a manual transmission.

BMW M3/M4

Both the BMW M3 and M4 offer a manual gearbox. Both also include a 473-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six to offer plenty of fun.

MINI Lineup

There’s a manual option in the Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper Clubman. We are still waiting on the manual to be offered in the 302-horsepower John Cooper Works model.

Cadillac

Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

If you have $60k to throw around, you may be interested in this 472-horsepower sports sedan with a six-speed manual transmission.

Chevrolet

Chevy

Chevrolet Camaro

You may not be able to get the Corvette with a manual gearbox, but the Camaro still has one. There’s a six-speed manual available with more engine options, including the Zl1 with it’s 6.2L supercharged V8.

Dodge

Dodge Challenger

The American automaker wasn’t going to shrink away from the muscle car competition. It comes with an available manual gearbox on many variants, including the SRT Hellcat with its 6.2L V8 engine.

Ford

Ford Mustang

Joining the American muscle cars is the Ford Mustang. However, there’s no Shelby GT350 anymore and the Shelby GT500 can only be purchased with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. If you want something more tame, you can pair it with a six-speed manual.

Honda

Honda Civic

This Japanese automaker has left the manual option in the 2023 Civic, but only on select trims. With the sedan, you’ll only find it with the Civic Si paired to the 200-horsepower turbocharged engine.

Hyundai/Kia

Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra N Line no longer has a manual option, but the Elantra N does. It comes with a six-speed manual to go with the 276-horsepower 2.0L turbo-four.

Kia Forte

Grab a new Forte sedan in the GT form and you get a stick shift. This sedan is a lot of fun to drive with the 201-horsepower 1.6L turbo-four.

Mazda

Mazda

Mazda3

You can’t get a stick shift with the sedan variant, but it’s still available in the hatchback. The six-speed manual comes standard with the Premium trim and FWD. It’s a great match to the 186-horszepower 2.5L four-cylinder.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

You can count on the MX-5 Miata to still be a RWD sports car with a stick shift. It can be found whether you choose a cloth roof or power-folding hardtop.

Nissan

Nissan Versa

The Versa sedan is still one of the best budget-friendly options and it comes with a five-speed manual. However, this stick shift is only available on the base S.

Nissan Z

The Z is brand-new for 2023. It replaces the old 370Z and comes with a 400-horsepower 3.0L twin-turbo V6 paired to a six-speed manual.

Porsche

Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman

Put your money together and get the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS or any variation of the 718 Cayman coupe or 718 Boxster converter  and you’ll get a manual transmission.

Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 may end being the last car to hold out. It’s still available with a stick shift.

Subaru

Subaru BRZ

This RWD sports car may have a flat-four engine, but it comes with an available six-speed manual gearbox.

Subaru Impreza

You can still find an Impreza with a stick shift. The five-speed manual is only available with the base trim though.

Subaru WRX

Choose the top trim level, the WRX GT, and you’ll miss out on the six-speed manual available with the rest of the lineup.

Toyota

Toyota GR Corolla

The standard Corolla doesn’t have a manual in 2023, but the GR does. This hatchback comes with a 300-horsepower turbo-three, AWD and a six-speed manual.

Toyota GR86

The GR86 was co-created with Subaru, so it closely matches the BRZ with its six-speed manual gearbox.

Toyota Supra

There was once a time the Supra didn’t offer a manual gearbox, but those days are over. Now you can choose a six-speed manual.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Jetta

Choose a new Jetta in the S or Sport variant and you can choose the six-speed manual gearbox. There’s also the GLI available if you want something that’s more fun to drive.

Choosing a New Car With a Manual Transmission

While there may be many automakers that don’t offer a manual transmission at all, you still have plenty of options. In fact, some companies (like Toyota) offer several vehicles with a manual gearbox. Which car would you choose?

The 5 Most Spectacular & Scenic Road Trips In Texas

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With 268,581 square miles to explore, Texas is a fantastic destination for a scenic road trip, especially after you purchase one of the best used cars under $15,000. In the Lone Star State, you can visit historic landmarks, admire spectacular landscapes, and have fun in the Great Outdoors. Scenic road trips in Texas abound; here are a few of our favorites.

Scenic Road Trips In Texas

1. From Austin to San Antonio

From Austin to San Antonio, a straight drive along the I-35 is only 80 miles, but you won’t get to see much. Instead, go westward, through the Hill Country, for about 200 miles.

Before you leave Austin, stop at some attractions. On a hill to the east of downtown is the Texas State Capitol Building. This domed, 19th-century structure is an icon of the state and surrounded by spectacular formal gardens.

On the opposite side of downtown and just across the Colorado River, you’ll find the Barton Springs Municipal pool. The four underground springs keep the water in this natural, 3-acre pool a pleasant 680F year-round. Barton Springs is a wonderful spot for sunbathing and swimming.

If you’re still around Austin toward sunset, head over to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, just south of downtown. As the sun sets, hundreds of bats appear from beneath the bridge and fly out into the night sky.

As you head west out of the city, you’ll enter an area of glittering streams, rolling hills, and tall oak trees. Marvel at the beautiful bluebonnet flowers that spring up everywhere. A popular stop-off 30 miles west of Austin is Hamilton Pool Preserve. The main feature is a stunning blue pool fed by a 50-foot waterfall.

About 70 miles further west is Enchanted Rock, a pink granite hill that provides panoramic views of Hill Country. If you’re driving an older vehicle and planning to park for a while in such remote locations, take jump leads for unexpected emergencies.

106 miles southwest of Hamilton Pool is Bandera, the “Cowboy Capital of the World”. Bandera was once the starting point for the Great Western Cattle Trail. Today, it’s a great place to try out horseback riding. It’s only 52 miles from Bandera to San Antonio.

2. From San Antonio to Houston

Before you leave San Antonio, you must pay your respects at the Alamo. The Alamo mission complex dates to the 18th century when it served as a mission to the local Native American population. However, it’s much better known for its role in the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Today, you can learn about the history of this important site inside the Long Barrack exhibition.

The direct route to Houston is 197 miles along the I-10 E, but many visitors bypass the city and head straight for the Space Center, 226 miles from San Antonio. The center houses N.A.S.A. Mission Control, spacecraft, interactive displays, and over 400 artifacts relating to space travel, including the world’s largest collection of spacesuits.

Independence Plaza is one of the most popular exhibits. There you can see one of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft that gave space shuttles a piggyback ride from their landing site to the Kennedy Space Center. You can also climb inside a full-scale replica of a space shuttle.

3. From the Space Center to Dallas

It’s 265 miles from Houston to Dallas along the I-45 N, so prepare yourself for a 4-hour journey. Once there, head for Dealey Plaza in downtown. This is the most famous site in Dallas — the spot where John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.

The Sixth Floor Museum is located on the 6th floor of the old Texas School Book Depository, and it’s where Lee Harvey Oswald stood when he shot the President. The museum is a tribute to the life of J.F.K. and the events of the shooting.

Immediately south of Dealey Plaza is Reunion Tower, which is part of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This tower topped with a glowing ball is one of the most distinctive structures in the city. A restaurant inside the ball provides a venue where you can eat a meal while admiring 3600 views of Dallas.

4. From Dallas to Fort Worth

It’s only a short 32-miles drive along the I-20 W from Dallas to Fort Worth. The city was founded as an army fort in 1849 and soon became the center of the longhorn cattle trade. Here you can see Texas at its best, with Western design and architecture.

When you drive into town, turn north on the I-35 W and look for signs for the Fort Worth Stockyards coming up on your left. The historic cattle district contains the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Stockyard Museum, Billy Bob’s Texas (a renowned cowboy-themed honky-tonk bar with live country music), and the Fort Worth Stockyards founded in 1866.

Try to get here before 11:30 am or 4 pm so you can witness one of the twice-daily cattle drives along East Exchange Avenue. You can find an outdoor seat in one of the restaurants near the Stockyards Visitor Center or watch this spectacular from the sidewalk.

Another attraction you won’t want to miss in Fort Worth is the Fort Worth Water Gardens, which is a short drive south of the stockyards. The main feature of the park is the Active Pool. This consists of 38-feet waterfall cascades and steps down into the plunge pool, which you are encouraged to descend if you don’t mind getting wet.

5. From Fort Worth to Amarillo

This is a long, 340-miles drive along the US-287 that will take you around 5 hours, but you haven’t seen Texas until you’ve visited the Texas Panhandle. On longer journeys through relatively rough terrain like this, you should always ensure you have an inflated spare tire and a portable tire inflator for emergencies.

Amarillo, the Yellow Rose of Texas, is the largest city in the Panhandle and also a key post along the historic Route 66. Just a short, 10-miles drive west along Route 66 from the city, you’ll come across the famous Cadillac Ranch. This is an art installation that is a Cadillac graveyard. The Cadillacs are buried nose-down in the Texan soil, and visitors are encouraged to renew the art by adding graffiti to the vehicles. The original artists wanted the installation to be an interactive art experience.

178 miles of Route 66 pass through the Texas Panhandle. Along the route, you can also see the World’s Largest Ketchup Bottle and Wigwam Village. There are many natural and cultural landmarks along Route 66, including Devil’s Rope Museum (barbed wire) and Bugg Ranch (like Cadillac Ranch with VW Beetles) in Conway.

Best Scenic Road Trips In Texas

Tell us about your favorite scenic road trips in Texas. With such a big state to explore, there’s a little something for everyone.

Guest Post Bio:

Robert Baker is an adventurer who loves to witness the beauty of nature both at home and abroad. He lives in Lincolnshire, England, and can often be found with his nose buried in his book or walking alongside the River Witham admiring ducks and swans. When he is not writing about journeys of adventure, he writes poetry for pleasure.

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