The 2021 Chrysler Voyager L Is on the Right End of This List

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Car insurance can be expensive, especially if you get into an accident or have a low deductible. One way to save money on car insurance is to choose a vehicle that insurers consider safe. The 2021 Chrysler Voyager L is a perfect choice for lowering your monthly premiums.

Budgeting for car insurance

RELATED: Five Budget-Friendly Cars That Are Also Fun to Drive

Cars need insurance. Most of us budget for the expense and think we have a handle on things. But then the bill arrives with a monthly premium significantly higher than planned. The best way to calculate how much you should budget for car insurance is by looking at your vehicle’s value. 

Money CNN reports that most car insurance plans run about 5 to 8 percent of the car’s overall value. However, it isn’t unheard of for some insurers to charge as much as 12 percent. According to NerdWallet, the national average auto insurance premium is $133 per month.

Factors that influence monthly premiums include the driver’s age, driving record, credit rating, size of the deductible, previous claims, state of residence, type of health insurance, and vehicle model. 

If you’re shopping for a new car but are worried about how much it will cost to insure, consider the 2021 Chrysler Voyager L. There’s a reason it’s a budget-friendly minivan.

Insuring a 2021 Chrysler Voyager L

RELATED: ‘Cheapo’ Chrysler Voyager Has 1 Advantage Over the Pacifica

The folks at MotorTrend recently used data they compiled from Insurance.com to determine which vehicles had the most affordable car insurance rates. The persona used to gather this data was a 40-year-old man who had a good driving record and credit rating. The pseudo-driver used the vehicle as his daily commuter and lived about 12 miles from his workplace.

Using that information, MotorTrend concluded the 2021 Chrysler Voyager L had the most affordable insurance rates. It should cost a similar driver about $1,272 a year to insure the vehicle.

Why is 2021 Chrysler Voyager L insurance so affordable?

There are a few reasons the 2021 Chrysler Voyager L insurance premiums are so low. The first is the purchase price. The starting MSRP is a mere $27,860. It’s also a safe vehicle.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Voyager the highest rating of “Good” in all areas except headlights, which received a “Poor” rating because they provided poor side-of-the-road visibility. And according to U.S. News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the minivan a 5 out of 5-star safety rating, though the NHTSA noted the poor headlight quality. 

The 2021 Chrysler Voyager L scored so well in its safety tests that insurance companies are relatively confident its riders won’t be seriously hurt in an accident. And that means insurers will charge lower rates.

But although the Voyager L is a safe vehicle, it won’t please drivers who like plenty of special features. This minivan is pretty basic. A few special features include Stow ‘n Go seating, heated mirrors, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

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This $130,000 Mercedes Gullwing Isn’t a Mercedes Gullwing

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Well, it is but it isn’t. Confused? This is a Mercedes and it is a Gullwing, but we wouldn’t call it a Mercedes Gullwing. With aluminum ones fetching $5 million and pedestrian examples starting at almost $1 million, you knew this couldn’t be a real Gullwing. 

But it is not a kit car, either. It is a fitting tribute to the original SL Gullwing based on a 2001 SLK32 AMG. You can tell when you stare that the proportions are not quite right. In fact, with the proportions of an SL instead of an SLK, it might have been a more passable copy.

The Gullwing took five years which included the hand-made aluminum body

Gullwing tribute from 2001 Mercedes SLK AMG | C&W

But we’re splitting hairs. The work looks incredible, and it took five years starting with a hand-made aluminum body. A 3D scan helped to create a wooden buck over which the aluminum panels were formed over. The proportions meant the original body data needed to be adjusted for the short wheelbase SLK’s bones.

Once the body was hacked off a steel tube roll cage was constructed to add both protection and rigidity. This Merc should be as tight as a drum. And those doors should sound like a vault.

The SLK is a curious choice for the bones of this Gullwing

Gullwing tribute from 2001 Mercedes SLK AMG
Gullwing tribute from 2001 Mercedes SLK AMG | C&W

Not to belabor the subject but the SLK is a curious choice for as well done as this pseudo Gullwing looks to be. It was never known as a particularly sporting car. Specifically, the curious choice of a recirculating ball steering was as antiquated as it sounds. 

Tried and true rack-and-pinion would have helped, but with a five-speed automatic and heavyweight what should have been a fun car to flip around became a dud. With the AMG massaged 3.2-liter supercharged V6 there is 349 hp under the hood. That drivetrain gets a reprieve because according to the press release the Gullwing weighs almost 900 lbs less than a stock SLK.

But with the larger wheels and low-profile tires, combined with fewer overhangs front and rear, this is a slightly improved Gullwing in some ways. We would never suggest the original SLs needed improvements, but the overall feel of this copy gives it a chunky, contemporary take on a classic. And the best part is that you can drive it daily without the fear that comes with plying the highways with a multi-million dollar classic. 

If you’ve ever arrived in a Gullwing anything, it attracts all of the attention

Gullwing tribute from 2001 Mercedes SLK AMG with doors up
Gullwing tribute from 2001 Mercedes SLK AMG | C&W

RELATED: New Mercedes SL Will have Flavor of Original Gullwing

And if you’ve ever arrived in a Gullwing anything, when you pop those doors up and exit you see everyone within eyesight looking at the car. They definitely get the attention. And to most people, it looks every bit of a real SL. So does $130,000 still sound like a lot? 

It’s available through Crossley & Webb in Gardens Cape Town. You’ll notice that this is a right-hand drive, but if you’ve got the cha-cha to buy it you’ve got the ability to ship it here. If you do, bring it by the MotorBiscuit digs so we can check it out and take it for a spin. Please.

Gullwing tribute from 2001 Mercedes SLK AMG interior
Gullwing tribute from 2001 Mercedes SLK AMG | C&W

The post This $130,000 Mercedes Gullwing Isn’t a Mercedes Gullwing appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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2022 Chevy Equinox Base Price Is up, Trim Prices Are Down

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Chevy Equinox is losing a trim level, bumping up the starting MSRP. Higher trim levels will be priced lower than previous model years. New features are centered around updating Equinox’s look and increasing the SUV’s safety. Which package is most worth it at this new pricing?

2022 Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet

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Chevy has decided to skip its low-cost L model Equinox for the 2022 model year. This change means the base price for the compact SUV will start higher than they for previous releases. These updates were planned for the 2021 edition. The volatile conditions of the auto industry pushed the redesign back to the 2022 model.

The 2022 Equinox has been completely overhauled with a new focus on safety and style. It received an NHTSA safety award when equipped with HID headlamps. The redesigned Equinox earned an overall 5-star safety rating from the organization.

Exterior updates include contemporized fascias to give the SUV a modern look. A more aggressive gloss black grille gives it a sportier feel. Black badging, side rails, and bowties define the overall look of the new Equinox. Inside red stitching contrasts with and compliments the black leather interior.

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A red 2022 Chevy Equinox SUV
2022 Chevrolet Equinox RS | Chevrolet

RELATED: Chevy Equinox Windows Accidentally Lower From Loud Music

Every trim level of the 2022 Chevy Equinox comes equipped with a standard 1.5-L turbo engine. Previous years offered a more powerful 2.0-L version which the manufacturer has also dropped. This leaner, sportier Equinox hopes to lure buyers from rivals like the RAV4 or CR-V with a fresh look and enhanced features.

The LT trim level has a lot to offer. An eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat gives the interior an expensive feel. The optional Confidence and Convenience package includes heated seats, blind-spot monitoring, and dual-zone climate control. Remote start, a power liftgate, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel add to the appeal. This package is the best balance of price and features.

The least-expensive 2022 Equinox is now the LS model, which starts at $26,995. This represents a $600 savings from the 2021 model but a $2,000 increase from the 2021 base model. Trim packages have been increasing in price. The Equinox breaks this trend, with each trim level decreasing in price by $500 or more when compared to the 2021 model.

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An Equinox badge on a blue SUV
2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier | Chevrolet

RELATED: The Chevy Equinox Is Facing a Troubling Problem

If safety was the focus of the 2022 Chevy equinox redesign, that goal was met. The 2022 model comes equipped with a laundry list of advanced safety features. Automatic emergency braking, front collision alert, rear vision cameras, and more make it easier for drivers to be aware of their surroundings.

One of the most exciting new features is the Teen Driver program. This allows parents to customize vehicle settings and is tied to their teen’s key fob. It can limit some features from use and prevent certain safety systems from being deactivated. Parents will receive an in-vehicle report card that gives them information on their children’s driving habits.

Tire fill alert allows drivers to react to tire pressure issues before rim damage occurs. Following distance, indicators help drivers gauge braking times in dense traffic and can help avoid rear collisions. All of these features and more contribute to Equinox’s high safety rating.

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2011 Hyundai Genesis Maintenance and Repair Costs Are Surprisingly Low

by Gabrielle DeSantis

New cars are exciting, but some models have a reputation for being expensive to maintain. Many car warranties offer a few years of free maintenance, but what happens with repairs after it expires? You might be better off buying a used model with established reliability, like the Hyundai Genesis.

According to Consumer Reports, the Genesis holds up better than any other car in the $5,000-to-$10,000 range. After 10 years, owners reported spending an average of only $200 on yearly maintenance and repairs. What else can drivers expect if they purchase a 2011 Hyundai Genesis?

Satisfying performance from the 2011 Hyundai Genesis

RELATED: 95,000+ Genesis Sedans Join Hyundai and Kia in Fire Risk Recall

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis offered two powertrain options. The standard V6 produced 290 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims could have a V8 capable of 385 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque, a first for Hyundai at the time. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic transmission, but all-wheel drive wasn’t an option on either.

Consumer Reports tested both powertrains but found the V8 was only slightly faster than the standard V6. The 2011 Genesis can reach 60 mph in as little as 6.2 seconds. Its fuel economy — 21 mpg combined city/highway at best — is disappointing compared with rivals.

In addition to good acceleration, the transmission works smoothly, and the Genesis rides on a sport-tuned suspension. Though it doesn’t feel athletic behind the wheel, it can handle corners without problems. CR’s testers also appreciated the well-contained body roll and steady brakes.

As for ride quality, CR says the 2011 Genesis can’t beat other luxury rivals. Though most harsh bumps are muted, quick body motions can take riders by surprise. To its credit, the 2011 model still has a quiet interior even at highway speeds.

A great interior for the price

RELATED: Upscale Is the Name of the 2022 Genesis GV70 Interior’s Game

Higher trims retailed for up to $30,000 and came with the most opulent cabin. CR testers appreciated the optional stitched leather dashboard and generous seating space. Every 2011 Hyundai Genesis comes with Bluetooth, heated seats, and even a push-button start.

The seats up front feel nice, but some CR testers felt there wasn’t enough thigh support. The second row has plenty of room for three adults, and the seats were reportedly much more accommodating. The 2011 Hyundai Genesis is also easier to enter and exit than the latest Genesis models.

CR testers had no problems using the infotainment controls, but they’re positioned high on the dashboard. There’s somewhat of a learning curve involved because many of the buttons look too similar to one another. Testers also had some problems with the optional navigation feature, operated with an external controller.

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis doesn’t have much in the way of advanced driver’s aids, either, but pricier trims have adaptive headlights. The IIHS still awarded it excellent safety scores, and it has a perfect reliability rating on Consumer Reports.

What repairs can you expect for a 2011 Hyundai Genesis?

RELATED: Does Hyundai Own Genesis?

All the 2011 Hyundai Genesis’s drivetrain components, particularly the suspension, typically hold up well over time. However, some owners reported electronic failures for the power plug and cruise control. The exterior lights are also known to burn out quickly, but a recall addressed most of those incidents.

The 2011 model has had three recalls, with the last one announced in 2014. It’s likely that any 2011 Genesis purchased today has already been serviced. 

CR surveys concluded that 2011 Hyundai Genesis owners are overwhelmingly satisfied with the car’s performance, styling, and interior. It’s also a good value, with the highest trims costing about only $9,700 on the used market.

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