The 2021 Subaru Outback Gets Another Win With Inexpensive Insurance Costs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Modern station wagons are hard to come by in the States, which is why Americans are thankful for the Subaru Outback. Though it’s not really an SUV, it frequently ranks above the most popular rivals in that class. It’s also one of the most affordable in the segment, even when it comes to insurance.

MotorTrend reports that the Subaru Outback is one of the cheapest cars to insure for 2021. Everyone loves cheap insurance, but is the Outback really a good value?

The 2021 Subaru Outback doesn’t have many flaws

Most drivers will be satisfied with the Outback’s standard powertrain, a four-cylinder that makes 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. An available turbo-four makes 260 hp and delivers better acceleration. Both engines pair with a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Regardless of the powertrain, the Subaru Outback offers a smooth ride even on rocky pavement. It also boasts an impressive collection of standard off-roading equipment, plus almost nine inches of ground clearance. And it’s surprisingly efficient for an AWD vehicle, rated for up to 26/33 mpg city/highway. 

Filled with soft and well-fitting materials, the Subaru Outback’s interior is upscale for its price point. The cloth seats are comfortable enough, but there are also three types of leather on offer. Every rider has plenty of room to stretch their limbs, and the cargo capacity behind the second row is impressive. 

The rear cargo hold offers 32.5 cubic feet of space with each seat in use and almost 76 cubic feet with the rear row folded down. Models with the upgraded engine can also tow up to 3,500 pounds. And every Outback comes with roof rails and tie-downs for storing even more gear.

As for tech features, some critics say the Outback’s infotainment interface isn’t the easiest to use, but it’s still loaded with many standard features. Plus, it has excellent safety features, including LED headlights and a forward-collision warning system.

Pricing for the Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback starts at $26,795, while the next trim level up, the Premium, is slightly more expensive at $29,045. It comes with many of the same features as the base model but adds a larger touchscreen and dual-zone climate control. Drivers can also enjoy heated seats with more adjustability settings.

The Outback Limited starts at $33,595 and comes with leather-trimmed seats and a power-adjustability lever for the front passenger. This trim also has a premium audio system and additional safety features.

Upgrading to the Subaru Outback Touring brings a power moonroof, heated steering wheel, and ventilated Nappa leather seats.

There are three Outback XT models available, all of which pack the upgraded turbo-four engine. The Onyx Edition is the most stylish of the three, with black-clad wheels and water-repellent faux leather seats. It also features an upgraded edition of the standard X-Mode AWD system that includes hill descent control. Finally, the Subaru Outback Touring XT is the most expensive trim, starting at $39,945.

So, how much does insurance cost?

The standard Subaru Outback costs $1,330 yearly to insure, MotorTrend reports. This hypothetical coverage includes $300,000 for all rider injuries, a $500 deductible, and $100,000 liability insurance for one outsider. It also assumes the driver has good credit and a clean driving record.

Some small crossovers, such as the Honda CR-V LX and Mazda CX-3 Sport, are slightly cheaper to insure. However, neither has the Outback’s superior off-roading capabilities. The subcompact Mazda CX-3 also has a small cargo hold and tight rear seats. Overall, the base-model Subaru Outback has plenty to offer, and low insurance rates only sweeten the deal.

RELATED: Scoot Into These 2 Subarus Consumer Reports Rates High for Short Drivers

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Why Is My Car’s Turn Signal Blinking Fast?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While you’re probably used to the “click, click, click” sound of your car’s blinker, there are certain times when it can “click” faster than normal. Fortunately, a fast-clicking blinker is somewhat of a common issue. Here are some possible causes and what you can do about them.

How does a turn signal work?

2022 Volkswagen Taos | Volkswagen of America, Inc.

RELATED: Can You Get a Ticket For Driving Too Slow?

According to Napa, your car’s turn signal is operated when power from the battery runs through a fuse and to the turn signal relay. When you click your car’s turn signal “left” or “right,” it completes the circuit and it activates and sends power through the secondary load circuit. That secondary load circuit includes a flasher and the bulbs that light up when you pick the direction that you desire.

The flasher that is connected to the bulbs contains a small strip of metal that bends and straightens when it’s heated or cooled. This reshaping of the strip is what completes or breaks the circuit to the bulbs. Considering the strip of metal for the flashers is so susceptible to temperature changes, you can see how it needs to bend at exact intervals and under the correct electrical conditions.

Now that we understand how important completing the circuit to the flasher and bulb is, we can start to see how the different components in the current can attribute to a fast-blinking turn signal. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Bad bulb: The lights on your car can burn out after years of use. A bad bulb will alter the resistance in the circuit, which will in turn send a different current through the blinker. Test the lights by activating the signal and seeing if they light up. If not, then inspect the actual bulb and replace it if it looks darkened or black.
  • Aftermarket lights: Although some aftermarket lights look cool, they don’t always match up to your car’s electrical system. If your fast blinker is due to an aftermarket light – such as LED lighting – then remove it and see if the issue still persists.
  • Bad connection: Since your car’s blinker system is connected by wires, it is possible that at least one of the wires in the system is corroded or worn out. Relays and flashers can go bad over time as well. In this case, you can trace the wires in the system, the relay, and the flasher and inspect them to see if any one of those components is the culprit.

Is a fast-blinking turn signal illegal?

Yes. According to Horsepowerful, the Department of Transportation requires that vehicles’ turn signals flash at a maximum of 120 flashes per minute. So if your turn signal is flashing faster than that and you get pulled over, you could technically be cited for being in violation of the law.

We would be surprised if you received anything more than a “fix it” ticket for such an issue. But be sure to check your state and local laws to find out. Also, remember to do a quick check on your car’s light every month or so to make sure that they’re not burnt out.

The post Why Is My Car’s Turn Signal Blinking Fast? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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The 2011 Chevy Tahoe Is Surprisingly Cheap to Maintain, Consumer Reports Says

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Chevy Tahoe just got a fresh redesign. It rides on an independent rear suspension, boasts expanded interior dimensions, and even offers a diesel engine option. However, as a full-size SUV, it isn’t exactly cheap at $49,600. But you might be in luck if you’re looking for a used Chevy Tahoe.

According to Consumer Reports, a pre-owned 2011 Tahoe costs as low as $11,525. It’s also the cheapest vehicle in its price range to maintain, averaging only $200 a year.

High points of the 2011 Chevy Tahoe

Though the 2011 model isn’t as big as today’s hulking SUVs, Consumer Reports‘ testers felt comfortable inside this used Chevy Tahoe. The seat cushions are wide enough to support all riders, and everyone has generous legroom. However, reviewers thought the rear seats were more supportive than the front seats.

The cabin’s quality isn’t quite on par with others in its class, but the materials still look aesthetically pleasing. The driver’s seat is also highly adjustable and pairs with a tilting steering wheel. Cargo space is also plentiful, including a large center console.

CR’s testers also liked the 2011 Chevy Tahoe’s towing capacity. With the right equipment, Tahoes with four-wheel drive can tow up to 8,200. It also reached 60 mph in 16 seconds with a 5,000-pound trailer attached.

The 2011 Tahoe can do some light off-roading, but CR cautions that the ride is jittery. Despite its powerful engine, this Chevy has a surprisingly quiet interior. The only sound that truly permeates the interior at high speeds is wind noise, but it didn’t disturb the testers. 

Though this SUV doesn’t come with any stand-out tech features, that’s typical for a 2011 model. A few safety features were optional, and the 2011 Tahoe earned good safety ratings.

Where this Chevy Tahoe falters

The 2011 Chevy Tahoe offered only one engine option, a V8 capable of 320 hp. It pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission, which CR says was a big improvement over the previous shifter. The engine provides ample power but delivers lackluster fuel economy at 14 mpg combined city/highway.

This Tahoe is also large enough to be quite cumbersome around corners and parking spaces. The turning radius is manageable, but it suffers from numb steering and heavy body roll. It also requires a considerable stopping distance, which didn’t inspire much confidence in CR’s testers.

The rear-seat room is also a problem inside the 2011 Chevy Tahoe. It can fit adults in a pinch, but legroom is limited compared with the other two rows. It’s also hard for any adult to reach the third row, especially with the steep step-in height.

You can’t access the cargo area’s full potential without removing the third row. This can be an annoying challenge because each of these seats weighs 55 pounds. You can still fold them, but the backs won’t lie completely flat.

Potential repairs for this model

We previously reported that the 2011 Chevy Tahoe might not be the best model to buy. That’s because it’s had several electrical issues, such as warning lights and sensors that won’t go away. Other minor issues include malfunctioning radios and cracked dashboards.

Though those issues can be annoying, they don’t require much money to fix. All of the 2011 Chevy Tahoe’s major components hold up well over time. Even better, 2011 was one of the most reliable years for the Tahoe.

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The Best New Cars Under $30,000 According to TrueCar

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s no beating around the bush these days. Buying a new car can make for an expensive endeavor. In fact, according to Car and Driver, brands like Ford reported an average transaction price of $43,600 in April. There’s no denying that’s a decent chunk of change. The good news is you don’t have to spend all of your hard-earned money on a new car. In fact, the following are some of the best affordable new cars under $30,000, TrueCar reports. 

Hyundai and Toyota make some of the best new cars under $30,000

2021 Hyundai Elantra | Hyundai

Hyundai and Toyota are well-known for making some of the best new cars out there. They’re also known for making some of the most affordable new cars. It should come as no surprise then that cars like the 2021 Hyundai Elantra were included in TrueCar’s list of the best new cars under $30,000. Starting at $19,650, this year’s new Hyundai Elantra is an excellent choice for compact sedan shoppers, TrueCar reports.

The Elantra isn’t the only new Hyundai to have made the list. TrueCar also included the 2021 Hyundai Sonata and the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq. While the 2021 Hyundai Sonata starts at $23,950, the 2021 Hyundai Ioniq boasts a base MSRP of $23,400. According to TrueCar, between their affordable starting price and extensive warranty, these cheap new cars offer an incredible value.

A parked 2021 Toyota Camry, one of the best affordable new cars under $30,000
2021 Toyota Camry | Toyota

Toyota makes some of the best new cars under $30,000, too, TrueCar reports. In fact, the organization included models like the 2021 Toyota Prius Prime, the 2021 Toyota Camry, and the 2021 Toyota Corolla in its list. The cheapest Toyota model on the list is the 2021 Toyota Corolla, which starts at $20,025. 

“Offering strong fuel economy, a long list of standard safety features, and a reasonable price, the Corolla will appeal to shoppers with an eye for sensibility and value.”

TrueCar

Two of the best new cars under $30,000 are made by Kia

A blue 2021 K5 GT-Line 1.6T FWD at sunset
2021 K5 GT-Line | Kia

Perhaps you would prefer a new Kia instead. The good news is that TrueCar included two new Kia models in its list of the best new cars under $30,000. First, let’s talk about the 2021 Kia K5. This affordable new sedan starts at $23,590. It’s available with your pick of an engine under the hood and is “well equipped for the daily commute, transporting the family, or cruising on the weekend,” explains TrueCar.

As for the 2021 Kia Soul? This new SUV costs under $30,000 and, at its cheapest, will have you spending $17,590. That price gets you features like a six-speed manual transmission, Kia Drive Wise Driver-Assist technology, and Kia’s best-in-class 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty.

These affordable new cars also made the cut

A silver 2021 Honda Accord driving, one of the best affordable new cars under $30,000
2021 Honda Accord | Honda

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta and the 2021 Honda Accord also made the cut. These new cars cost under $30,000 and come well-stocked with features. In fact, starting at $18,995, the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta won’t have you spending more than $20,000 on a base model. Entry-level models don’t lack in features, either. 

The same can be said for the 2021 Honda Accord. Starting at $25,470, the 2021 Honda Accord is one of the best new cars under $30,000. Much like the Jetta, it doesn’t compromise on features, either. Standard on all models are features like Honda Sensing, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

How to choose the best new affordable car for your budget

Shopping for a new car doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, some of the best new cars cost under $30,000, TrueCar reports. When it comes to choosing the best new affordable car for your budget, we suggest starting with TrueCar’s recommendations. Take these models out for a test drive, and you’ll be sure to find out which is the right car for you and your budget.

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota Corolla Is One of the Best New Cars Under $25,000 According to Consumer Reports

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