The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Surprisingly Isn’t That Expensive to insure

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Jeep Wrangler has long been a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. Even drivers who haven’t gone off-pavement love the Wrangler’s tough looks. The only problem is that it isn’t exactly cheap, especially when purchasing insurance for it.

But that might be about to change for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport. In a surprising twist, talking to your insurance agent won’t make you cry — unless it’s tears of joy because it’s so cheap, of course.

The Jeep Wrangler Sport may not be top-of-the-line, but it’s still sweet

Base trims mean you get the fewest features, but you also pay a much lower price than you would for higher trims. For the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport, you can expect to get a 285-hp V6 engine, a six-speed manual transmission, four-wheel drive, skid plates, a two-speed transfer case, and a Sunrider folding soft top. In other words, everything you need to tear out of the dealership and hit some trails.

The Wrangler Sport also offers a few basic features that will meet your needs. It comes with cloth upholstery, push-button start, three 12-volt outlets, a rearview camera, a 5.0-inch touchscreen, an eight-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and a USB port.

All of that sounds great — until you discover the windows and door locks are manual. It’ll bring you back to the early ’90s when you had to crank the windows down and hoped nothing got jammed.

Jeep Wrangler Sport pricing

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Given all the rugged features on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport, it’s no secret it’s a bit pricey. It’s not extremely expensive, however, so don’t sweat just yet. That will come later.

The two-door Wrangler Sport starts at $28,475. The four-door model is a little pricier, starting at $31,975. That isn’t bad, but the upgrades are where you’ll start to feel the heat.

For an extra $1,500, you can upgrade to an eight-speed automatic transmission. If the V6 engine sounds a little weak, you can purchase a V6 with eTorque mild-hybrid assist, plus the eight-speed automatic transmission, for $3,000 more. 

That’s for the two-door model, of course. If you’re looking at the four-door, the price jumps by $6,000. 

Now comes the really disheartening news. Jeep, like BMW, is known for charging owners for basic features like automatic door locks and air conditioning. If you aren’t fond of turning your vehicle into a sauna, expect to pay another $1,295 for A/C. Many owners aren’t keen on sweating it out and will pay the extra money to avoid getting dehydrated during their commute.

Other features that’ll raise the price include a hardtop roof ($1,495), leather upholstery ($1,750), a tow package ($795), and a rear limited-slip differential ($595).

The overall price also fluctuates as you decide whether you’ll buy or lease, the interest rate you can get, and the loan term. That’s before insurance, of course, but it’s shockingly one of the cheapest things about the Jeep Wrangler Sport.

Insurance won’t set you back

When MotorTrend posts an article about the cheapest cars to insure for 2021, Jeep isn’t the first automaker that comes to mind. In fact, it could be one of the last for many former Jeep owners. Yet the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport appears on the list.

According to MotorTrend, insuring a 2021 Wrangler Sport costs a mere $1,339 per year. That’s only $111.58 a month. There are used vehicles that cost this much, so considering this price is for a brand-new vehicle, that’s pretty exciting.

The post The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Surprisingly Isn’t That Expensive to insure appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Oil Dipsticks Are Disappearing From New Cars at an Alarming Rate

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The oil dipstick is easily one of the most laymans friendly car maintenance devices in cars since the gasoline cap. However, as cars get increasingly digitized and, in return, less analog, this beautifully simple device is rapidly disappearing. 

an instructor using a dipstick to check engine oil levels | KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images

The oil dipstick is the friendliest car maintenance tool 

Whether it’s your first day driving or you are 100-years-old, the dipstick can be easily found and implemented in servicing your car’s oil. As long as your car is parked on a level surface and the engine is cool (depending on what car you have, this can vary), the engine’s oil supply and oil health are easily accessed with the oil stick and a napkin. 

The fact that some newer cars are foregoing the dipstick for digital versions isn’t just a thing for older folks to grumble about. These newer technologies are great, but in this case, it is “fixing” a non-problem. 

As The Drive keenly points out, the beauty of the oil dipstick is its simplicity. It requires no sensors that can be easily confused, no parts that can malfunction, or anything that your average person couldn’t figure out. 

Where is the dipstick? 

According to The Drive, one of the main examples of the disappearing dipstick is the 2021 Toyota GR Supra 3.0. Toyota has decided to sell a car without a dipstick. This has made the simple act of checking your oil level and cleanliness unnecessarily complicated. 

2021-Toyota-Supra-Family
2021-Toyota-Supra-Family

RELATED: Should You Change Your Own Oil?

The Supra requires you to park in a level spot (at least that part is the same) and dig into the infotainment to find the “check oil” program, which reportedly takes a good five minutes to perform. 

Some may see this as “more convenient,” but that’s like saying a robot that ties shoes is more convenient because you don’t have to bend over anymore. That doesn’t feel like a real problem that needs fixing. 

How does this lack of oil dipstick affect the day-to-day

Peter Nelson, a writer from CarBibles, mentions that he was alerted that it needed oil while testing the Supra. That notification in and of itself is handy, as is putting oil in the car. However, knowing how much oil to put in the motor can be pretty tricky without a dipstick. 

Oil covers a dipstick from a vehicle in Littlebury, U.K., on
The dipstick from a vehicle | Graham Barclay/Bloomberg News

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Nelson said, “It gave me a heads-up to add a quart of oil to reach the minimum level. When I added just over a quart, the measured level was way higher than the minimum level.” He brings up another strong point with this little anecdote. 

“If a user can’t be bothered to check a dipstick, are they going to be capable of selecting and then adding their own oil? Or are we expected to drive to a Toyota dealership any time the engine’s down a touch?” 

Technology isn’t always helpful

It may sound like a bit of automotive snobbery, but Nelson is making a strong point here. Essentially, these OEMs are saying, “we think you are too inept to check the oil but still think you can add oil yourself.” 

This is silly, of course, but if this is the way they want to go, why not at least keep the dipstick as a backup for the computer gizmo? This will appease the grumpy old folks (like Nelson and me) while also giving drivers an easy way to make sure they aren’t overfilling the oil. 

New technology is great and makes driving easier and more convenient for millions of people. However, just because we can add new things to our cars doesn’t always mean we should. 

The post Oil Dipsticks Are Disappearing From New Cars at an Alarming Rate appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Here are the 5 Coolest New 2021 Ford Bronco Accessories

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ford has been talking about the extensive 2021 Ford Bronco accessories list for a while now. There is everything from car covers to mounted performance equipment like rock rails and auxiliary lights. With over 200 accessories to choose from, sifting through the options might get a little taxing. Here are the five coolest new 2021 Ford Bronco accessories. 

2021 Ford Bronco back hatch | Ford

Secure storage is a must-have Ford Bronco accessory

The first of the must-have/ coolest 2021 Ford Bronco accessories is a locking storage box. As anyone who’s owned a hard-top convertible like a Jeep Wrangler or the Bronco, having a secure place to store valuables is an absolute must. 

locking center console
Locking center console | Ford

According to CarScoops, this locking center console storage box is made from 12 gauge cold-rolled steel plating. This $339 accessory can be supported by a bigger locking drawer compartment that lives in the back if the center console is too small. However, the additional locking drawer will run an extra $670 and only fits with the four-door Ford Bronco. 

Does the 2021 Ford Bronco have a soft top?

the retractable soft-top roof for the new Bronco
Retractable soft-top | Ford

RELATED: The 2021 Ford Bronco Is Changing Its Coolest Accessory to Appease Customers

The Jeep Wrangler/CJ really popularized the convertible SUV. Off-roading in your SUV with the roof off is one of the most fun motoring experiences known to humanity. However, taking off hardtops can be a pain, and soft tops can also be a fairly annoying commitment. 

The 2021 Ford Bronco accessories list now offers a retractable soft top that allows you to wheel about the woods el fresco without having to worry about the weather catching you with your pants (roof)  down. 

The TrekTop doesn’t come cheaply with its $2,229 price tag, but the convenience might be worth it. The Sunrider function allows the roof to be pulled back from inside the Bronco. This also means that the roof can be pulled back into place if the weather turns quickly or if an impromptu run into town is needed. 

Always have the perfect tire pressure 

Off-roading can often require airing down your tires to increase grip and soften the ride. This means if you need to get back to proper road pressure, you might be in a pickle. Well, this extensive Ford Bronco accessories list also includes a portable $369 air compressor from ARB. 

two 2021 Broncos driving out into the desert
Double Ford Broncos | Ford

RELATED: Rivian R1T Borrows Coolest Feature From the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler

This accessory is handy to air up tires and can run some air tools to help with bush maintenance. This is one of those accessories that won’t be for all Bronco owners, but those who need the compressor will be stoked to add it to their new Bronco. 

Sometimes you need to camp in your Bronco

The Thule roof tent is an extremely cool Bronco accessory
Thule roof tent | Ford

As overlanding has become the motoring trend of the decade, Ford decided to include an optional roof tent as one of its many Bronco accessories. The Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer two-person tent will run $1,599 but converts the Bronco into a mini mobile home. The tent setup comes equipped with a foam mattress and mounts to the roof rail system. 

The “work from truck” truck

The 2021 Ford Bronco can be set up with a fold-out work table that lives in the back hatch. Again, this is a Bronco accessory that will only be handy for a select group of Bronco owners. Anyone planning to use their rig for more outdoorsy or adventurous applications will likely see a big value in this $209 addition. 

work station flipped down on Ford Bronco
Ford Bronco work table| Ford

Having a clean, flat work surface when you are deep into the wilderness can make all the difference in keeping your gear in top shape. From mountain biking to car camping, this fold-out table can be a huge time saver when you are out in it. 

The post Here are the 5 Coolest New 2021 Ford Bronco Accessories appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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The 2021 Honda Civic Didn’t Have to Be the Best to Still Get a Consumer Reports Recommendation

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Honda Civic has long been an American favorite. But the latest model has pulled off something extraordinary. It earned a Consumer Reports recommendation despite ranking sixth in its class. Here’s how and more about the 2021 Honda Civic.

The 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic is a much-loved compact car. Its base model has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter is available. Both get good gas mileage. Its continuously variable transmission works better with the turbo and is loud either way.

The Civic offers a comfortable ride with nimble handling. There’s plenty of cargo and passenger space, but because the car sits low, getting in and out isn’t so easy. Plus, the infotainment system in the latest Civic isn’t the most user-friendly, Consumer Reports says.

The high-performance Civic Type R is ready for the track with a 306-hp output. But the coupe body style retired for the 2021 model year. All trims also come equipped with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning. 

And the Touring hatchback models now have an available six-speed manual transmission available. 

Honda Civic pros and cons

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Today’s Honda Civic is upscale and elegant, giving drivers a real sense of getting what they paid for and more. The base engine offers adequate power that gets good fuel economy with the CVT, but it’s loud. When climbing uphill or navigating busy highway traffic, it gets even louder.

The CVT works well with the available turbo engine and handles highway traffic easily. The turbo engine offers good power and still gets good gas mileage. And the latest Civic handles confidently with responsive steering, competent braking, and minimal body lean.

Si models pack a turbocharged 205-hp 1.5-liter engine and a manual transmission. It has a satisfying engine growl and precise handling. It’s an improvement on previous Si models in that it’s turbocharged with more robust power delivery.

The 2021 Honda Civic‘s interior boasts an upscale vibe with quality materials. A quiet cabin includes lots of innovative storage spaces for belongings.

Riders getting into the low-slung Civic almost have to drop into the car, which won’t work well for people with mobility challenges or long legs. Another drawback: There are no lumbar support adjustments for the front seat. Consumer Reports points out the bottom cushions are short, making them a little less comfortable. But there’s plenty of room in the back seat.

However, the base model’s audio system has user-friendly controls. Unfortunately, higher trims replace those controls with a fussier touchscreen system that’s not as easy to navigate. But those systems include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

Consumer Reports’ recommendation

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The 2021 Honda Civic earned an overall 74 out of 100 from Consumer Reports. It received a predicted reliability rating of 3 out of 5 and a predicted owner satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5. Thanks to those scores, Consumer Reports recommends the 2021 Civic. 

Though it’s ranked sixth in its class, it’s a great car with a polished exterior and interior and good road manners. It also offers many thoughtful, innovative features uncommon in the compact segment.

CR’s testers recommend sticking to the base model if you want the sedan. For them, it had a good combination of enough power and good gas mileage. They consider it a great car for the price.

If the manual transmission is a must, the muscly Si model provides that. But you also get stuck with its distinct 18-inch wheels and summer tires. However, the Si also provides adjustable suspension settings, a 10-speaker audio system, and a sunroof.

The post The 2021 Honda Civic Didn’t Have to Be the Best to Still Get a Consumer Reports Recommendation appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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