Recall Alert: Consumer Reports Says Porsche Macan Has Open Recall

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Porsche Macan is a pretty sweet luxury compact SUV. It might be on the higher end of some budgets, but this car is fun and has the most up-to-date technology one can offer. The base trim still comes with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that gets the job done. Consumer Reports says the 2021 Macan has one open recall, but does the rest of the car check out?

Is the Porsche Macan a reliable car?

Consumer Reports says the new Porsche Macan has an open recall | Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images

Consumer Reports rated the 2021 Porsche Macan a 76 out of 100 overall. On the list of luxury compact SUVs, the Macan came in third. Above it was the 2021 Lexus NX and the 2021 Audi Q5. The predicted reliability for the Macan was three out of five, which is a respectable score. However, the predicted owner satisfaction came in four out of five. Overall, the Macan seems like a fairly reliable choice.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the open recall on the Macan is related to the suspension. A failed screw might cause damage to the system that controls the brakes. This could cause instability, loss of control and could result in a crash. The recall covers the 2021 Porsche Macan, Macan S, Macan GTS, and Macan Turbo SUVs.

If your vehicle is impacted, the local Porsche dealership will tighten the screw on the shock absorbers. This applies to the front and rear axels. Porsche warns drivers not to drive the vehicle until it is fixed.

Owners can contact Porsche customer service at 1-800-767-7243 in response to recall notice AMA8. Additionally, owners can check www.safercar.gov to see if the vehicle is impacted. The NHTSA campaign number is 21V224000.

What is the best year for Porsche Macan?

The 2020 Porsche Macan came highly rated by Consumer Reports. Both the reliability and owner satisfaction received a score of five out of five. The reliability trouble spots all scored well, including the engine major/minor, transmission major/minor, and drive system. Overall, the driving experience scored 94 out of 100.

CR says the 2020 Macan has sporty handling, comfortable seats, and impeccable style. Some of the cons are the price and the lack of cargo space for an SUV. The fuel economy isn’t great either, getting a combined 19 mpg.

The 2019 Macan has similar scoring and style. Consumer Reports found the Porsche Macan reliable, but the owners found a few faults. The brakes were a bit stiff, and the power equipment had some hiccups. For 2019 SUVs, the Macan ranked number one out of 11. Over 88% of owners would repurchase the car.

Does Edmunds agree about the luxury SUV?

Besides the issue with the recall, the Macan still seems like a reliable car to buy. Edmunds gave the SUV a score of 7/9 out of 10 for the expert rating. Some of the complementary attributes include quick acceleration, a comfortable ride, and the customizable nature of the vehicle. Edmunds also called the Macan the “most athletic and engaging SUV in the class.”

Overall, Edmunds agrees that the Macan is a solid SUV, but it is pretty expensive. If you are looking for a less expensive luxury vehicle, the aforementioned Lexus NX and Audi Q5 are both a little less cash.

RELATED: Why the Ruf Porsche 911 Is Not a Regular Porsche 911

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Mazda Just Killed the CX-3 — Is the Mazda CX-30 Responsible?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s been no secret that the Mazda CX-3 has been cruising on thin ice in recent years. Though it boasts the automaker’s signature athletic handling, this subcompact crossover still can’t keep up in such a competitive segment. And recently, Mazda announced that 2021 is the final year for the CX-3.

Car and Driver speculates the CX-30’s debut sealed its sibling’s fate. So, what makes Mazda’s newer subcompact SUV good enough to kill the CX-3?

The perks of owning a Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30, which debuted for the 2020 model year, comes standard with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine making 186 hp. However, unlike the CX-3, the new subcompact SUV also offers an optional engine producing 250 hp. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The base engine doesn’t feel quick, but the handling and ride are solid overall. The transmission also operates smoothly except for some jolts under sudden acceleration. Car and Driver reports that the turbo engine is more satisfying to drive, reaching 60 mph in a respectable 5.8 seconds.

The CX-30 is also larger than the CX-3 but still seats up to five. Some reviewers mention tall drivers might have less legroom in the rear, but the interior is fairly roomy by class standards. The seats are comfortable and look nice, especially the black and white leather options on higher trims.

For the 2021 CX-30, Mazda added smartphone integration to an already long list of standard features. A physical dial, not a touchscreen, controls the infotainment system, which some might find distracting. But even the base model offers plenty of standard safety features, a great value for a crossover starting at $22,050.

The Mazda CX-3 comes up short

The Mazda CX-3’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, makes 148 hp. It can power this small SUV around town easily, but the engine gets noisy once the CX-3 is on the highway. However, it redeems itself with decent gas mileage, up to 29/24 mpg city/highway.

Consumer Reports actually prefers the Mazda CX-3’s handling over the CX-30’s. Its smaller dimensions make it sprightlier, and it’s easier to park in the city. The steering wheel also provides satisfying feedback, especially around corners.

Plus, the cabin is attractive, with soft-touch materials and red stitching on the upholstery. The front seats offer just enough legroom for tall riders, but they won’t find the back row accommodating. Even adults of average height might have to duck upon entering, thanks to the CX-3’s low roofline.

Cargo space is also limited, with only 44.5 cubic feet of space even with the second row folded down. However, drivers might prefer the infotainment system inside the Mazda CX-3 because it has a touchscreen. And almost all of the Mazda CX-3’s safety features come as standard equipment.

Will anyone miss the CX-3?

The Mazda CX-3’s popularity took a hit this year, sales numbers show. Last month, the CX-3 sold only 967 units, while the CX-30 sold 7,959, GoodCarBadCar reports. Last quarter, Mazda sold 2,787 CX-3 units, showing barely any sales growth over 2020.

On the other hand, the CX-30 sold 9,584 units in Q1 2021, breaking its previous sales record by more than 1,200 units. Besides the Hyundai Nexo, the CX-3 was the only SUV to sell less than 1,000 units last month. Overall, the Mazda CX-3 might have some fans, but most drivers prefer the newer Mazda CX-30.

RELATED: The Oldest Car in Mazda’s 2021 Lineup Is the Cheapest to Insure

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The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Is Going Electric Lime

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We’ve heard about putting the lime in the coconut and shaking it all together. But what about putting lime on the Toyota Tacoma? The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is getting a new shade of lime to really shake things up. 

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro gets a unique shade of Electric Lime 

2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in Electric Lime | Toyota

According to Pickup Truck News, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is getting a few color changes. The out-of-this-world Lunar Rock exterior paint will replace the classic Army Green. 

The Tacoma will also be available in Barcelona Red, Voodoo Blue, Super White, Cement, Silver Sky, and Midnight Black. But most importantly, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is gaining a new shade of Electric Lime! It’s so bright! 

If you don’t want to be bright, you can enter the dark side. The Toyota Tacoma Blackout Package includes blacked-out insignias, chrome-exhaust tip, and a black tailgate insert. With a set of black rims, you won’t be too bright at all. 

What to expect with the 2022 Tacoma 

RELATED: Why are 2016 – 2018 Toyota Tacoma Models so Unreliable?

The Toyota Tundra is getting a redesign for 2022, but what about the Tacoma? The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and Trail Edition seem to be the only options gaining notable updates at the moment. More could come. 

With the Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition, you get standard four-wheel drive, a lift kit that raises the suspension by 1.1 inches in the front and 0.5 inches in the rear. It also includes a rear locking differential, skid plates, a custom grille with bronze lettering, and bronze-colored 16-inch wheels from the TRD Pro that increase the width by 0.5 inches. 

The Tacoma TRD Pro is gaining a new suspension lift kit that raises the suspension by 1.5 inches instead of only 1-inch. The rear will gain 0.5 inches. New forged upper control arms will enhance the suspension travel and rebound stroke. 

The 16-inch black-colored TRD wheels are wrapped in new Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires. Plus, the TRD Pro retains the standard Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks that are specifically tuned for the model. 

Most Toyota Tacoma models include the 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 159 hp and 189 lb-ft of torque. But the TRD Pro and Trail Edition get the 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. 

What are the 2022 Tacoma features like? 

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in Electric Lime parked on rocks
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in Electric Lime | Toyota

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma can now tow up to 6,500 lbs, and each model is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. But according to Car and Driver, you can select the optional six-speed manual gearbox. 

You’ll notice that the interior still provides the traditional Tacoma layout with branded TRD Pro goodies, like the shifter knob and all-weather floor mats. The heated steering wheel and seats will keep you warm in the winter too. 

The TRD Pro has an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, the 4.2-inch display provides crucial information in the instrument cluster, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor System displays all the obstacles around your truck. 

Pricing for the TRD Pro and Trail Edition hasn’t been released yet. However, the Trial Edition is expected to start at around $35,180, and the TRD Pro could begin at about $45,500. We will keep you updated as we learn more.

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World’s Most Expensive Parking Spot Sells for $1.3 Million in Hong Kong

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’ve ever parked a car in a major city, you know that it can be both time-consuming and incredibly expensive. As a result, when you’ve got ultra-wealthy areas where developers can’t build any new spots, the existing ones start to trade for ridiculous sums. That’s exactly what happened in Hong Kong recently, where the world’s most expensive parking spot just sold for a staggering $1.3 million.

According to the BBC, this parking spot is located in one of Hong Kong’s most affluent areas, looking over the city’s Victoria Harbour. You can only imagine how much the homes surrounding it must cost.

How much does the world’s most expensive parking spot cost?

Cars parked outside | Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

While $1.3 million for the world’s most expensive parking spot sounds like a ridiculous sum, it’s not far off from the second most expensive. That’s because the BBC reports that second place goes to a spot sold back in 2019 for $980,000. As you might imagine, when you get so many wealthy individuals in such a tight space, the price of even essentials shoots through the roof.

The BBC reports that the sale of this parking spot comes as Hong Kong’s real-estate market reaches new all-time highs. In fact, a rental property recently set a new record, asking for $210,000 per month.

The only way the world’s most expensive parking spot even makes remote sense is if it’s tied to some ultra-expensive property. Being able to bundle in such an expensive spot could seriously raise the value of a house or building.

How much does it cost to park in a major city?

Traffic Jam in Hong Kong | Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images

RELATED: Stolen Mercedes-Benz SUV Found Accidentally in Atlanta

While you won’t have to pay the same as the world’s most expensive parking spot to house your daily driver, parking in a major city is a major expense.

According to Car and Driver, the most expensive U.S. city to park in is New York City. That’s because you can expect to pay up to $37 for parking your car for two hours. From there, you’ve got Chicago charging $21, Boston charging $20, and Philadelphia charging $16 for two hours.

If we’re looking at monthly parking, GetMyParking reports that New York City is still on top, costing around $616 on average. In second place is Boston with $438, and San Francisco in third with $375 per month.

Will the world’s most expensive parking spot get dethroned?

Traffic Jam in Hong Kong | Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Since there’s been a massive surge in house prices following the global pandemic, the world’s most expensive parking spot likely won’t hold that throne for long. That’s because as these ultra-wealthy areas continue their development, land in desirable places will eventually dry up. As a result, we’ll likely see more stories pop up, such as this one.

This wouldn’t even be the weirdest thing someone has spent a huge sum of money on. A few months ago, a Volvo station wagon wearing a New York license plate reading “NEW YORK” went up for sale with a $20 million asking price.

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