Rides Automotive 2012 by The Bulletin

CONVERTIBLES • MOTORCYCLES • RVs • TRUCKS

An edition of The Bulletin • April 28, 2012

SPRING 2012 VEHICLES GUIDE

VROOOM

NEW CARS YOU’LL WANT TO TAKE OUT FOR A SPIN CAR CARE GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INVESTMENT

FUEL EFFICIENCY SMARTER DRIVING HABITS

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AMERICAN CARS

SPRING 2012 RECREATIONAL GUIDE

Hit the road with new wheels By DANIELLE BRAFF GateHouse News Service Take a ride with the top down, grab a bike or hop onto a boat. Time to get moving: Spring has finally sprung.

CLASSIFIEDS classifieds@norwichbulletin.com CUSTOMER SERVICE customerservice@norwichbulletin.com ONLINE www.norwichbulletin.com Rides is created annually by GateHouse Media Inc., The Bulletin’s parent company, and is distributed with various GateHouse papers across the country. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication.

Move into an RV Spend your spring and summer exploring America in a camper. Travel trailers are the least expensive option, ranging from $9,000 to $70,000, according to RV America. But motorhomes can go all the way up to $900,000 for a custom highlighter Class A coach.

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Spin As fuel prices rise, more people are turning to their exercise-friendly, environment-loving vehicles: bikes. Bike sales rose nearly 15 percent from 2009 to 2010, generating a whopping $6 billion in the sales of bikes in 2010 — which includes the bikes, related parts and accessories, according to the National Bicycle Dealers Association.

Buying a boat It’s something that most people dream about, but it’s also become a reality for many. According to the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, sales of new and used recreational boats and new outboard engines were $2.8 billion in 2011, which was a 21 percent drop compared with sales in 2010. However, Thom Dammrich, president of the NMMA, told CNBC in January that he projects a rise in new boat sales of 5 percent.

Motorcycle helmets Here’s another reason not to hop on your motorcycle without a helmet: The National Highway Traffic Safety Association found that 1,829 people’s lives were saved in 2009 because they crashed while wearing a helmet. They estimated that an additional 800 lives could have been saved had everyone who crashed worn a helmet.

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AUTOMOTIVE REVIEW

2012 Subaru Impreza: Less is More BY SILVIO CALABI | GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE

he farther north one travels in New England, the more Subarus there are. In fact, along with pickup trucks, mommy minivans and senior-citizen Buicks, the Subaru wagon is a staple, especially in peasoup green. And why not? Subies are practical, thrifty, long-lived, go-anywhere, low-maintenance vehicles; if at first they’re sometimes easy to overlok, the longer we know them, the more they impress. Does this not also describe the natives of, say, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont? Just like those Yankees who pack their children off (sometimes as far away as Boston or New York) for a good education, Subaru has steadily toned up its models, especially the Legacy and the Outback. Horsepower, digital connectivity, plush decorating, and new safety and driver-assist technologies—it’s all there. Or at least available. Still, every model, no matter how gussied-up, has all-wheel drive and none is what you might call lowslung. Up north, the weeks between winter and summer aren’t spring, they’re mud season.

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Now, for 2012, Subaru has given its least expensive car, the Impreza, a good going-over as well. Some of the improvements are subtle. The seats have been raised a bit, the dashboard lowered a bit, the base of the windshield moved forward quite a lot. The result, though, is notable: No more sitting in a bathtub. Outward visibility seems much improved, and the driver feels more in control. The cabin is light and airy, and the materials and fittings have been upgraded appropriately. Old Subie

seats had flat bottoms and only adjusted fore and aft. These are nicely contoured and supportive, and can be raised or lowered. On this two-steps-up Limited model, they’re even leather-covered and heated. The cheapest Impreza has a sticker price of $17,495 plus $750 for delivery. This one cost $22,645, to which has been added $2,069 for a power sunroof, a navigation system and all-weather floor mats. The only things on the center stack besides a storage cubby are three knobs for heating and air-conditioning and a small screen for the satnav and radio. The simplicity may leave you wondering what Subaru has skimped on, but really, it’s all there. Cruise-control and radio switches are in the steering wheel. There’s an iPod plug and Bluetooth audio. It took me a while to find the two-stage seat-heater switches because they’re between the front seats and I’d covered them up by sliding the console cover-armrest forward. The nav system is easy to use and the controls are just sensitive enough. It isn’t a long, or distracting and dangerous, reach to the touch-screen, either. You can get text messages on it, too. The most interesting thing about this Impreza is its new 2.0-liter engine. It’s still a compact, flat four-cylinder, but it’s half a liter smaller and 22 horsepower (and 25 lbs-ft of torque) less powerful than last year’s. That’s quite a lot, and you’d think the car would suffer. But it’s lost weight, too. The Impreza barely weighs 3,000 pounds, which is unusual these days. There’s more than enough acceleration. Add responsive steering and strong brakes plus four-wheel independent suspension, and we have a comfortable AWD sedan that seats four and is

more agile than some small FWD cars. In addition, the fuel economy has improved. With the optional continuously variable transmission (with paddle shifters, no less), the Impreza is now rated for 27 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 MPG on the highway. The Impreza must be one of the least-expensive, most fuel-efficient AWD cars available, but it certainly doesn’t feel like a bottom-feeder. Overall, the Impreza gives off a strong whiff of sanity and reason. It’s as though Subaru really thought about how to make its car genuinely better instead of bigger, heavier, faster, glossier. The Impreza recently won the New England Motor Press Association’s Yankee Value Award for 2012. No surprise. Silvio Calabi reviews the latest from Detroit, Munich, Yokohama, Gothenburg, Crewe, Seoul and wherever else interesting cars are born. Silvio is a member of IMPA, the International Motor Press Association, whose automotive reviews date back to the Reagan administration. He is the former publisher of Speedway Illustrated magazine and an author. Contact him at calabi.silvio@ gmail.com, silvio.calabi@nempa.org or 207-592-2619.

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CONVERTIBLES

BY DAN RAFTER | GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE

here's something about the convertible that continues to capture the passion of car lovers. Jack Nerad, executive editorial director at auto publisher Kelley Blue Book, sums it up like this: "The sheer excitement of open-air motoring is something that appeals to a certain type of driver. It's a different

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GO TOPLESS

FUN IN STORE FOR CONVERTIBLE LOVERS

way to drive. Not everyone does it. There is so much positive imagery of driving with the top down and with the wind in your face. It resonates with a

lot of people." ?The good news for convertible enthusiasts is that 2012 and 2013 will see the debut of several new convertibles that have already caused some

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster Convertible Both pointed to this car as one of the more exciting open-air models to hit the market in 2012. This convertible makes a bit of history by becoming Mini's first two-seat convertible. Instead of rear seats, this model offers a shelf perfect for holding small items. "This car is perfect for the buyer looking for the true convertible-driving experience," Hellwig said. "Because it is small, drivers will have to give up some practicality for a more compact style. But, this car certainly has a nice style to it." The car is also affordable, with a price tag in the low $20,000s to the low $30,000s.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible This car hasn't even been officially previewed, but Hellwig is eagerly awaiting its entry in the market. This car, too, fits in the affordable range, with a price tag that will range from $20,000 to $30,000. The fact that it's a Beetle, a car that U.S. drivers still love, adds some allure to this particular convertible, Hellwig said. "The Beetle is certainly an iconic car. Add the convertible aspect to it, and you just have a fun car," Hellwig said. "It's like the ultimate summer convertible."

IS A CONVERTIBLE RIGHT FOR YOU? Convertibles are supposed to be fun, of course. But Hellwig says consumers need to be certain they're willing to trade in the functionality of a traditional car for the excitement of a convertible. They do, after all, come with notoriously limited storage space. But if it's the fun of driving you're after, these new models might be perfect for you. "It's a completely different driving experience," Hellwig said. "Not just do you see more, but you can smell more, you can feel the temperature better. There is more sensory input. It's incredible how much the experience is different when you don't have an entire roof over your head."

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2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible This might be the perfect convertible for those motorists who think driving should be all about fun. Nerad says that this version of Chevy's ZL1 ranks as its most powerful convertible ever. That's thanks to the car's higher horsepower and better suspension. "It's nearly Corvette-like in terms of its performance," Nerad says

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Roadster Convertible For those willing to spend a bit more — imagine a price tag of more than $90,000 — there's the latest convertible by Mercedes. Like all Mercedes vehicles, this car is luxurious, boasting a retractable hard top, powerful V-8 engine, impressive safety features and every bit of technology that you'd expect in a Mercedes. "The hard top gives this car the best of both worlds," Hellwig said. "It's a coupe when you want it to be and a full convertible when you're looking for that experience. And to a lot of people, the Mercedes SLS Roadster remains one of the cars they think about first when they think of a luxurious convertible."

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2012 Fiat 500 C Convertible Nerad points to this convertible as a good choice for consumers looking for the convertible experience at an affordable price. The car has a sharp design and boasts an impressive-sounding stereo, perfect for open-air driving. "This doesn't look like a traditional convertible," Nerad said. "Factor in that it is both inexpensive and fun to drive, and this looks to be a popular model." The Fiat 500 C retails for about $20,000.

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excitement in the national automotive press. Nerad and Ed Hellwig, editor at auto news site Edmunds.com, are most excited about these models:

FUEL EFFICIENCY

RIDES SPRING 2012

Easy, rider

Want to save on gas? Try smarter driving habits BY MOLLY LOGAN ANDERSON GateHouse News Service

There’s no doubt that gas prices are on the rise. Conserve a bit with our suggested methods and reap big savings at the pump over time.

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STOCK.XCHNG PHOTOS

SPEED LIMIT

Consider engine size Mechanic Ethan Fuller of Fuller’s Service Center in Hinsdale, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, suggests considering engine size when you’re looking to save on gas. “Small engines burn less gas,” says Fuller. “But keep in mind there’s no magic trick that’s going to help you save. It’s mostly common sense.” If you’re in the market for a new vehicle but are concerned about fuel use and expense, opt for a smaller engine.

Drive smart How you drive can largely affect on how fast a tank of gas is used, Fuller says. “The way that you accelerate from a stop makes a big difference; don’t hit the gas hard,” he says. “Also, starting your car takes a lot of gas. The more often you do it, the more gas you’ll use.” Try accelerating slowly, and plan for infrequent starts and stops whenever possible.

Shop before you spend

Maintenance is key

Constant speeds save

Take a moment to search your ZIP code at www.gasbuddy.com to locate the best fuel deal nearby. You’ll be surprised — prices can vary as much as 20 cents a gallon in a two-mile radius. For a 20-gallon tank, a few clicks can result in a $4 savings. For folks who fill up once a week, that’s $208 saved over a year.

“The best thing you can do for your gas mileage is to keep your car in top working order,” says Fuller, who says many people will continue to drive with illuminated warning lights, such as the “check engine” indicator. “This is a sign that something is wrong and you’re likely burning more gas than necessary.” The check-engine light, as well as other warnings, can refer to an array of maintenance issues and should be attended to as soon as possible.

Fuller says that highway driving is easiest on a vehicle, and your car will reward you with less consumed gas when you do it. “Around-town driving is tough; there’s not much you can do,” Fuller says. “You’re always going to burn more gas this way.”

ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOE GRECO/GHNS

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860.889.3333 774 W. Thames St., Rte. 32, Norwich, CT

Examples are based on MSRP and include destination freight charge. Your payments may vary. See dealer for complete leasing details. All payments are plus title, tax, re. and dealer doc. fee. Ally Bank must approve lease. Must take delivery by 4/30/12.

RIDES SPRING 2012

MAINTENANCE

Car care GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR INVESTMENT

STORAGE If you have a garage, make it your car's permanent home. Reserving a garage space for your car instead of household items that could be stored elsewhere will help you avoid the accelerated wear and tear caused by prolonged exposure to the elements. If you store your car in a partially protected carport or use a car cover, regularly inspect underneath your hood for signs of vermin. "I recently needed to replace a fuel injector connector that a rat gnawed off our 20-yearold family van after it was left unattended in a carport for just a few days," says Taylor. "Rats and mice like a nice warm engine bay, and they chew constantly to wear down their ever-growing teeth."

BY ARA CONTENT

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DRIVE LESS You don't need to cut out the annual family road trip — highway miles are among the easiest miles you can put on your car. But eliminating unnecessary trips in everyday life can have noticeable results because the starting and stopping associated with short trips can be tough on your car. Take care of all your errands in one trip, walk with your kids to school if it's close to home or ride the bus to and from work. If you can cut down on driving by five miles per day for 10 years, you'll save 18,000 miles of driving. Taylor estimates that those miles are worth $4,000 in parts, depreciation and gas. Not only will you save money, but you'll put less stress on your vehicle, which should extend its lifespan.

DRIVE SMART Occasionally kicking up your heels is fine, but consistently accelerating too fast can put unnecessary strain on your engine and other moving parts. Stopping or cornering too quickly can prematurely wear out your brakes and suspension. If you're starting your car in the cold, take it easy at first — letting your car idle won't help protect your car, but driving a little more methodically than usual while your car warms up will.

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE Your car's maintenance, engine oil, radiator antifreeze and other components might differ significantly from your last car. Following the maintenance schedule laid out in your owner's manual is important to protect your vehicle. Making sure items like filters, struts and brake pads are replaced when needed will help protect other components, saving you money and unnecessary wear.

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y doing the little things to maintain your car on a dayto-day basis, you can do everything in your power to make your car last long past the day you make your final payment on that car loan. "Time and miles are the two forces fighting to destroy every car," says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto.com. "Giving the car an occasional wash and wax is nice but really not as important as regular maintenance. Driving and maintaining your car as if it needs to last for at least 200,000 miles or 20 years is a smart way to preserve the value of an expensive asset."

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TRUCKS

WHAT’S NEW IN

PICKUPS Truck makers up fuel efficiency without sacrificing function BY ERINN HUTKIN GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE

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ince the start of the recession, truck sales have slumped. The poor economy — coupled with some high summer gas prices — led many people who bought trucks just for fun to look elsewhere, often to more fuel-efficient vehicles. According to Bill Visnic, an analyst and senior editor at Edmunds.com, an automotive information website based in Santa Monica, Calif., one way automakers might lure personal-use buyers back is by making trucks that are more fuel-efficient.

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“It's going to be a never-ending sort of priority to keep optimizing fuel economy,” he said. In the coming months, as automakers unveil 2013 truck models, many will likely feature downsized engines and transmissions that promote fuel efficiency. In addition to meeting the demands of the market, Visnic said, federal fuel economy mandates are coming in 2016. He said the government is working toward a target of 35 miles per gallon. Here are a few changes taking place when it comes to trucks.

Chevrolet will update the Silverado for 2013 (pictured is a 2012 model), but specifics are unknown at this time.

The Ford F-150 switched from a V-8 to a six-cylinder engine last year, and power didn't suffer with the change. Last year, Ford released its F-150 truck with a turbo-charged, six-cylinder engine instead of a V-8. The change, Visnic said, was a big move for Ford. From 2004 until the downsized engine was introduced in 2011, the automaker only used the larger V-8. The switch to the more fuel-efficient engine, Visnic said, is “very much a nod to what's going on in the market.” Mike Levine, Ford's truck communications manager, said the downsized, direct-injection, turbocharged engines provide the power of a V-8 with V-6 fuel economy. It’s rated to tow up to 11,300 pounds, he said, more than competitive V-8s, and is rated up to 22 miles per gallon. He said Ford sold more than 109,000 F150s with the downsized engines in 2011— the first year of production.

In 2013, GM will debut a new generation of trucks — such as the updated Chevrolet Silverado — featuring a new Gen V engine family. Tom Wilkinson, a Chevrolet spokesman, said the trucks will be more capable and more efficient than the current generation. Visnic said the automaker is being “very tight-lipped” about the changes, but he suspects the new models will also address weight to contribute to more fuel efficiency. However, Wilkinson said while there's been “a lot of noise around 'more efficient' pickups” since the recession, most full-size trucks are bought to tow and haul, so function can't be sacrificed. As a result, he said, efficiency gains are incremental and can't come at capability's expense. Still, he said, while Ford caught up to GM with its turbocharged V-6 engines, “we expect our next engine family to put us back in the lead.”

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For the 2012 model year, Visnic said, Chrysler offered its line of heavy-duty pickups with six-speed automatic transmissions. The engine can be found in the Ram 2500 and 3500 HD models. In the past, the Ram was sold with a five-speed engine, but Visnic said the move contributes to improved fuel efficiency: “To go from a five-speed automatic transmission to sixspeed ... is enough to make fairly meaningful changes.” For example, he said, it can mean the difference between getting 21 miles per gallon instead of 18. For 2012 Ram 2500 (pictured) and 3500 HD models, Chrysler changed the transmission to a six-speed.

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BUYING USED

GHNS PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A USED CAR BY ARA CONTENT

Look for paint and body repair. Evidence of bodywork could mean the car has been in an accident.

Has the car been driven by someone who smoked in it? Transported pets or small children in it? All those things can leave odors behind in the vehicle â&#x20AC;&#x201D; smells you might have to live with or go to great lengths to eliminate as the new owner.

Check for fluid leaks. Any leaking fluid, from oil to windshield washer, could mean the car needs a costly repair.

What was the primary use of the vehicle, and are most of its miles highway or local driving?

Are all accessories in working order? A sunroof is great ... unless the motor to open it doesn't work.

Look at the engine. Does it sound smooth or rough? Does it smoke excessively? Evaluate the overall wear and tear on all parts of the vehicle. Is the wear commensurate with the age and mileage on the vehicle?

How is the drivability? Do the brakes squeak? Does something in the passenger cabin rattle? Does the steering vibrate?

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BE A SMART BUYER

ere are the top items you should inspect when buying a used car:

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