Indestructible Toyota Hilux Manages to Tow 30,000 LB With a Gooseneck Trailer

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re a fan of Top Gear, chances are you’ve seen their series attempting to destroy a Toyota Hilux. This involved crashing it repeatedly, drowning it, and even parking it on top of a building before its demolition. After all these tests, the truck managed to start, proving that some of these old Toyota trucks are truly built to last forever.

However, a YouTuber named WhistlinDiesel has taken it upon himself to recreate that well-known series with his own series of entertaining destruction videos. In the latest update, the YouTuber gave this truck a 30,000-lb challenge. You can likely guess what happened next.

Is the Toyota Hilux truly indestructible?

Since we’re talking about what is essentially one of the most entertaining and destructive YouTubers on the platform, let’s quickly go over the first episode of this Toyota Hilux destruction series. For starters, WhistlinDiesel opted to purchase and destroy a truck that was seemingly in mint condition. The goal here was to give the Hilux the best fighting chance against the various torture tests.

The first major challenge involved tackling some off-roading trails at high speed, causing the truck to jump around violently. To up the ante, WhistlinDiesel loaded up the truck’s bed with cement blocks. Despite the extra weight, the truck managed to tackle the off-road trails without issue and even land a couple of major jumps.

To close off this first video, WhistlinDiesel even attempts to crash the Toyota Hilux into a tree, causing little to no damage in the process. Up to this point, at least, the legend of the Hilux appears to be quite accurate. However, this was just the beginning.

Watch this small truck tow 30,000 lb

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To kick off the second video in this Toyota Hilux destruction series, WhistlinDiesel decides to start the video by rolling the small truck over. As you’d expect, this stunt caused major structural damage and destroyed the front windshield. Regardless, the mighty Hilux carries on.

Despite its mangled structure, WhistlinDiesel then decides to hook up a massive gooseneck trailer to the back of the Hilux. From there, he proceeds to load up his 12,100-lb John Deere skid loader and 8,400-lb Ford F-450 says The Drive. When it was all set and done, the small truck was left to tow around 30,000. As The Drive points out, a brand-new Toyota Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 lb.

Regardless of the task, the mangled Toyota Hilux managed to pull the trailer and its load uphill without any major issues. In fact, the YouTuber was able to switch between a few gears while going uphill. If that doesn’t show how robust this old Toyota truck is, nothing will.

The Toyota Hilux manages to carry on

Toyota Hilux | WhistlinDiesel via YouTube

While this Toyota Hilux towing stunt is already impressive enough, its aftermath was perhaps the most shocking part of all. That’s because even this mangled Toyota Hilux managed to complete the challenge without any major failures. This means that the truck’s suspension and powertrain didn’t give up in the slightest. In fact, WhistlinDiesel shows that the truck can still drive normally after the fact.

Since this truck has made it this far, chances are it likely won’t survive whatever one of YouTube’s most destructive creators will come up with next.

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The 2021 Subaru WRX Is an Underrated Addition to This List

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Getting a cheap sports car isn’t as difficult as some might think. True, it might not be as exciting as a Porsche, but the Ford Mustang Ecoboost isn’t slow by any means. You might even fall in love with some underrated contenders, like the Subaru WRX.

MotorTrend put the WRX near the top of its cheapest sports cars list. This sporty sedan retails for $27,495 and the top-tier STI Limited starts at $41,945. What makes the Subaru WRX such a worthy competitor compared to household names on MotorTrend’s list?

The Subaru WRX needs to build its reputation

The Chevy Camaro LT1 is obviously more popular than the WRX, but it’s over $10,000 more costly. However, it comes with an impressive V8 capable of 455 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. According to CarIndigo, it can reach 60 mph in as little as 4.1 seconds.

The Honda Civic Type R was also mentioned on MotorTrend’s list, a finalist for Best Driver’s Car of 2018. For its last year before a remodel, the Type R gets a 306-hp turbo-four with a six-speed manual transmission. The next-gen Type R will reportedly keep the manual gearbox, but sport an upgraded interior and powertrain.

According to MotorTrend, the cheapest sports car you can buy is the Mazda MX-5 Miata. According to Mazda, it retails for $26,830 and includes a peppy 184-hp four-cylinder engine. MotorTrend recommends spending extra for the Miata Club, which brings its price to $30,290 at minimum. Racing enhancements like Brembo brakes and aero kit can bring the Miata’s total to over $35,000.

How much does the Subaru WRX cost?

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For just under $27,500 according to Subaru, the Subaru WRX gets a 268-hp turbo-four paired with a six-speed manual transmission. AWD is also standard, along with active torque vectoring and vehicle dynamic control for better handling. Smartphone integration is included, though the 6.5-inch touchscreen might be too small for some drivers.

The Subaru WRX Premium adds a bigger touchscreen and heated seats. The CVT is also optional starting on this trim, which many critics agree is a better match for the engine. With the CVT, drivers also get the advanced safety suite that is absent on the base model.

The WRX Limited can have even more safety upgrades, like rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights, and blind-spot monitors. The seats on this model are trimmed with real leather and more adjustability options.

The Subaru WRX STI comes standard with an upgraded 310-hp turbo-four, but it can only be paired with the manual transmission. It also boasts a driver-controlled center differential, which can supply equal torque to the back and front wheels. Brembo brakes are standard on this model.

The WRX STI Limited has the same powertrain enhancements, plus extra interior goodies like leather seats and a premium audio system. It has every available safety feature, and it’s the only trim to offer either a rear or lip spoiler.

This sporty sedan’s pros and cons

The Subaru WRX is reportedly slow at first, but it doesn’t have much trouble keeping its momentum. Its handling is also engaging with confident brakes and cornering, plus a well-weighted steering wheel with plenty of feedback. However, the delay of the turbo boost can feel a little jarring to unfamiliar riders.

The ride is also predictably firm and the WRX doesn’t get the best gas mileage. On the lower trims, the WRX has disappointingly cheap interior components. Road noise is prevalent in all models.

However, even the cloth seats are quite comfortable and the infotainment screen’s layout is easy to understand. Altogether, the Subaru WRX is a well-rounded sports car that’s worth checking out.

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2021 Is Already a Better Year for the Land Rover Defender

by Gabrielle DeSantis

After sitting stagnant for decades, the Land Rover Defender underwent a major redesign in 2020. While it was met with high praise from reviewers, being released during a pandemic meant the Defender likely had slightly lower sales than it otherwise would have throughout an average year. Fortunately, these numbers are on the rise — and 2021 is looking better than ever for the new Defender.

The reappearance of the Land Rover Defender

Although the Land Rover Defender is not a brand-new vehicle, it had not been fully redesigned for several decades prior to 2020. Once it launched, however, reviewers began heaping praise upon it.

MotorTrend ranks this vehicle as No. 1 in Luxury Midsize SUVs, giving it an impressive overall score of 7.8/10. In fact, reviewers were so pleased with the Defender that they named it the 2021 MotorTrend SUV of the Year.

The Defender features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that makes 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that makes 395 hp is also available. This SUV has an MSRP of $50,000 and is now available with a full two-door lineup for 2021.

Its major competitors are off-road SUVs such as the Ford Bronco and Lexus GX. However, MotorTrend notes that prospective buyers are likely to be comparing the Defender to mainstream luxury SUVs as well.

Pros and cons of the Land Rover Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

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According to MotorTrend, some of the biggest strengths of the Land Rover Defender are its style, comfortable cabin, and impressive off-road capabilities. In fact, reviewers call the Defender “Land Rover’s most off-roadable model,” making it an excellent choice for folks who want to go adventuring without sacrificing comfort. Its strength in this area comes largely from its four-wheel-drive system, as well as its various off-road driving modes.

The fact that the Defender performs well off-road is an important selling point, as this is what it was originally known for. Reviewers even note that given the new Defender’s comfortable, modern interior, they initially doubted its ability to live up to the rugged strength of the original model.

Ultimately, however, they found that while the new Defender may be stylistically different, it “maintains the legendary original’s go-anywhere, do-anything attitude.” In addition to its stellar off-roading performance, the Defender can tow up to 8,201 pounds. 

An abundance of safety features come standard on this vehicle, including traffic sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Each Defender also features a 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. 

There are a few downsides to the Defender, though. MotorTrend notes that the optional third row is uncomfortably small, and the standard engine isn’t as efficient as it could be. Additionally, the base model’s 5-year cost to own is $59,472, which MotorTrend ranks as “Poor.”

Rapidly growing sales

The Land Rover Defender’s advantages far outweigh its shortcomings, a fact which we see reflected in the sales data reported by GoodCarBadCar. Sales of the Defender started slowly in 2020, with just 108 units sold in April, 240 in May, and 252 in June. However, those numbers rose throughout the year, with 2,776 units ultimately sold in December. In total, 9,100 Defenders were sold in 2020.

Given the turmoil caused by the pandemic, the Defender’s steadily rising sales numbers are impressive — and 2021 is looking even better. The Defender has already sold 4,913 units in 2021, meaning that in Q1 alone, it has sold half the number of units sold in all of 2020.

Its stylish appearance, comfortable cabin, and powerful off-roading abilities all combine to make the new Land Rover Defender a competitive option. If current trends continue, it is set to perform phenomenally well in the rest of 2021.

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Own an RV? Lemon Laws Probably Don’t Protect You

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Lemon laws have become less common in many states. Many states’ lemon laws have no provision for recreational vehicle buyers. An RV is a huge investment that depreciates rapidly. A lack of legal protection after a purchase is one of many reasons to consider an RV purchase carefully. Knowing local laws is a step any potential RV buyer should take.

Lemon laws vary wildly from state to state

Like many areas of law, lemon laws can be drastically different from one state to the next. Some offer limited protection for car buyers. Others have comprehensive codes that favor buyers over owners. Each shopper should carefully research their own state’s buy-back laws and buyer protections before entering into a sales contract.

One of the biggest issues buyers encounter when invoking lemon laws is the intentionally vague language used to write them. Most states include protection from “unfair and deceptive acts and practices.” When the word of law is so imprecise, interpretations and precedents are set. It’s all too common for courts to favor dealerships leaving buyers in the lurch after a regrettable purchase.

There are several buying headaches that lemon laws address. When automakers become aware of a design defect they may issues notice to dealerships but not buyers. Dealerships are instructed to repair defects only after owners make a complaint. Some states have lemon laws that require owners be informed of these silent recalls.

RVs are a risky investment with little safety net

Lemon laws are even vaguer when it comes to which vehicles are covered. RVs are not always covered or are only offered in part. Some states have consumer protection laws that cover the non-living quarters of a recreational vehicle. Others cover only the chassis.

RVs depreciate much faster than a car or truck. It’s estimated they lose up to 30% of their value at the moment of purchase. This makes the investment risky. The easiest way to avoid being burned by purchasing a lemon is to carefully inspect every potential purchase. Reputable, third-party inspectors can help buyers identify problem areas before they leave the sales lot with a time bomb. Consumer Reports recommends taking every possible precaution to avoid buying a defective RV.

It’s much easier to avoid buying an RV with a laundry list of issues than it is to buy too fast and need repairs. Bringing an RV in for repairs can be very expensive and cost owners months of downtime. Any flaw with the living quarters or mechanical systems may end up coming out of an eager buyer’s pocket.

Warranties can provide some relief

Where lemon laws fail to protect owners from costly repairs, manufacturer warranties can save the day. Warranties are not absolute. There are specific terms and limitations for each one. RV owners will notice their warranties look much different than those for a traditional car. Instead of one contract from the vehicle’s manufacturer, RV owners will enter a warranty with the manufacturer of each major system or component of their rig.

Many common repairs will not fall under the manufacturer’s warranty. Weather damage. collision damage and towing damage are not covered even under the most generous wear and tear plans. These are considered part of typical RV maintenance and are a fact of RV ownership that many buyers ignore. The true risk and cost of RV ownership are greater than it seems.

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