by Gabrielle DeSantis

No one wants to buy a used truck only to find out that it’s most likely to have paint problems. While paint problems aren’t the direst issue you could deal with as a used truck owner, paint problems can be both frustrating and expensive. So if you’re shopping for a used truck? You might want to avoid two used trucks most likely to have paint problems. 

Avoid the 2011 Honda Ridgeline if you don’t want to deal with paint problems

2011 Honda Ridgeline | Honda

At first glance, the 2011 Honda Ridgeline seems like a good used truck. Consumer Reports recommends it. The organization also gave it a four out of five reliability rating and a five out of five owner satisfaction rating. The bad news is that, according to the organization, the 2011 Honda Ridgeline is one of two used pickup trucks most likely to have paint problems.

As a matter of fact, the used Honda Ridgeline’s paint and trim are among its biggest problems. One owner commented that “paint has chipped off in a couple of small places on the driver’s side of the car.” Meanwhile, another 2011 Honda Ridgeline owner added that their truck had lost its shine completely and that its clear coat had all but disappeared. 

“This is absolutely the worst paint job I have ever had on a vehicle. I am experiencing flaking peeking paint around edges like windshield, hood, engine compartment, gas cap etc. The underside of the hood is peeling off which leads me to believe this is not environmental.”

Honda Ridgeline Owner

The 2013 Chevy Avalanche is a used pickup most likely to have paint problems

An orange Chevy Avalanche parked outdoors
Chevy Avalanche | Chevrolet

The 2011 Honda Ridgeline isn’t the only used truck most likely to have paint problems. The 2013 Chevy Avalanche is also plagued with paint problems. In fact, several owners reported problems with chipped paint and even water stains. “Paint was chipping, and Chevy would not repair dealer did share cost though,” another Chevy Avalanche owner reported.

Unfortunately for the used Chevy Avalanche, chipped paint isn’t its only problem. Overall, the truck earned a two out of five reliability rating. And, according to Consumer Reports, issues with the used truck’s engine, fuel system, climate system, electric system, suspension, and brakes are among its most common trouble spots. Owners also reported issues with the truck’s power equipment and in-car electronics. 

These used pickups are among the best used trucks you can buy

A 2015 Toyota Tacoma driving through the wilderness, the 2015 Toyota Tacoma is one of the best used trucks
2015 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

While the 2011 Honda Ridgeline and the 2013 Chevy Avalanche are among the used trucks most likely to have paint problems, there are better used trucks out there. Take, for example, the 2015 Toyota Tacoma. 

This used Toyota Tacoma is among the best used trucks under $20,000 and was given a five out of five reliability rating. While Consumer Reports lists a few minor complaints about the used truck’s paint, the Tacoma didn’t find itself on the organization’s list of the used trucks most likely to have paint problems.

And if the 2015 Toyota Tacoma isn’t quite your style? Consumer Reports recommends several other used pickup trucks. Its recommendations include used pickups such as the 2009 Honda Ridgeline, the 2015 Toyota Tundra, and the 2020 Honda Ridgeline. 

These trucks may have paint problems, but there are better options

While the 2011 Honda Ridgeline and the 2013 Chevy Avalanche are two used trucks most likely to have paint problems, there are better options out there. Whether you check out the 2015 Toyota Tacoma or the 2020 Honda Ridgeline, avoiding these used pickups with paint problems is an easy feat. 

RELATED: Used Honda Ridgeline Years to Avoid: What You Need to Know Before Buying

The post Avoid 2 Used Trucks Most Likely to Have Paint Problems, What to Buy Instead appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Yesterday was Tesla’s Artificial Intelligence Day. Founder Elon Musk was there to tout the glories of AI as well as pumping autonomous vehicles. That’s all great stuff. But he also got into the Tesla program of developing “humanoid robots.” 

These Tesla robots will keep you from having to do repetitive tasks

Tesla Humanoid Robot | YouTube/Tesla

On the surface, this is a futuristic fantasy we can all get behind, and we do. But think about it for a moment. What he’s saying is essentially that with humanoid robots we humans won’t need to be bothered with repetitive work and menial tasks. But isn’t assembling cars considered a repetitive task? 

So, if you work at Tesla and you’re working on these humanoid robots, you’re working on your replacement. You’re helping to create what will someday take your job. Probably sooner rather than later. 

Musk says that Tesla is already a robot manufacturer

Tesla Humanoid Robot
Tesla Humanoid Robot | YouTube/Tesla

Tesla is already a robot company according to Musk. “Tesla is arguably the biggest robotics company because our cars are like semi-sentient robots on wheels,” he says. Semi-Sentient is a pretty tall stretch. 

Musk goes on to say that Tesla is soon to have a humanoid prototype soon because its AI hardware and sensors “make sense to put into humanoid form.” Do you think that GM or Volkswagen are thinking the same thing? I don’t know if we’re ready for car manufacturers to spring a Blade Runner-like reality on us. At least, not next year. 

And with that Blade Runner thought bouncing in your head, here’s what else Musk said. The humanoid “is intended to be friendly, of course.” But Musk knows what we’re thinking when he adds, “but you can run away from it.” 

The code name for the Tesla robot prototype is called “Optimus”

Tesla Humanoid Robot
Tesla Humanoid Robot “Optimus” | YouTube/Tesla

Look, it is on all of our minds. Should these futuristic robots become sentient, will they turn the earth into that apocalyptic neverland of human suffering and worse? Musk says it has a name: “Optimus.” Then he adds, “Optimus Prime.” Oh, great.

“Physical work will be a choice” in the future, according to Musk. How will we be able to afford one of these robots if we don’t make money? Will it be a choice in the future to eat? Or buy a new floaty for your pool? 

Don’t forget, Musk has also got Neuralink, his idea for interfacing with the human brain. If you can imagine the convergence of robots and human brain interfacing, does that make you feel warm and fuzzy? Honestly, it gives me the creeps. 

It is hard enough to get along with humanity, but now there could robots too

Tesla Humanoid Robot
Tesla Humanoid Robot | YouTube/Tesla

It is hard enough for humanity to get along with itself. What happens when you have to deal with robots, too? Does another layer of things that think for themselves seem like a better future? 

We applaud Musk for not following the same playbook day after day and year after year. It livens things up. Look what is happening with the electrification of cars. 

But now, that seems like really old news next to arguing with a robot over the last seat at a virtual Beatles concert. Our only saving grace is that it is taking years for Tesla to produce Cybertrucks. At the pace it is going, that means it might take decades before you can buy a robot maid for your New York highrise. You know, the one you get to enjoy because you have chosen not to work ever again.  

RELATED: Build Your Own Mini-Robot Dog Like Boston Dynamics

The post Work For Tesla? Elon Musk Wants You Replaced With a Tesla Robot appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This Honda CRX coupe has more mileage than most drivers would rack up in 74 average years of driving. The average American drives about 13,500 miles a year. After about 14 years of driving, most well-maintained cars could benefit from some costly repairs. This Honda CRX is a freak of nature. It has survived for more than three times the average car’s lifespan.

The million-mile Honda CRX

The Honda Civic CRX | DONALD BLACK/Star Tribune via Getty Images

The Honda CRX first came to America in 1984. It was introduced after the Japanese Honda Ballade Sports CR-X debuted in 1983 in three different configurations. The small car generated buzz in Japan because of the powertrain of some of its trims, and the model came to American Honda without the hyphen. This was a unique time for small cars in the automotive industry.

The Honda CRX was built on a smaller Honda Civic chassis and made to breathe new life into Honda’s compact car models. It quickly became a favorite amongst racers because of its capable factory suspension. Many regard the Honda CR-X as one of the pioneers of affordable sports cars. According to Motor1, a 1991 Honda CRX Si withstood the test of time and accumulated 1,000,000+ miles.

The 1991 Honda CRX Si has its original engine and transmission. Any vehicle traveling 1,000,000 miles is miraculous, let alone keeping its original powertrain components for that many miles. This mileage is equivalent to traveling across the country hundreds of times in America.

The million-mile Honda CRX Si uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 105 horsepower. The CRX is known for being fun to drive because of its light weight and great suspension. It also has an amazing shifter and manual steering. The previous owner Randall Scott clearly took this hatch around the block a few times. Regular maintenance is a huge factor in vehicle upkeep. Let’s face it, when it comes to certain 80s and 90s car models, they just don’t make ’em like they used to anymore.

What is routine maintenance on a car?

A man arrives to pick up his repaired car.
A man arrives to pick up his repaired car | Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images

Routine vehicle maintenance can keep your car running for a very long time. It may not last for 1,000,000 miles. If you maintain your vehicle well, it can last for over 200,000 miles without major repairs. Today this is a huge accomplishment considering that many vehicles are deemed useless as their mileage creeps closer to 200,000.

Routine maintenance does involve quite a few different parts and processes. Drivers should regularly change their motor oil and other vehicle fluids as needed in a timely manner. Regular tune-ups and replacing spark plugs can keep a vehicle in great condition. Brake pads, belts, and hoses also can go bad over time and may need to be replaced.

Routine maintenance involves being cognizant of your vehicle’s true condition at all times, down to the parts and fluids. If something needs fixing. changing or attention, it’s best to get it taken care of sooner than later. Some maintenance can save you money over time. Taking a less is more approach to vehicle maintenance is possible today, but it could leave your vehicle in very bad shape.

How long do Honda models last today?

A blue 2017 Honda Civic Si sedan.
2017 Honda Civic Si Sedan | Honda

Honda may not be churning out vehicles that can last for 1,000,00 miles, but its vehicles are still extremely reliable. The Honda Civic has consistently proven itself to be one of the most reliable compact cars on the market. Honda Civic models can last for 200,000-3000,000 miles when properly maintained.

The technology that automobiles use today is very different from the tech used in the late 80s and early 90s. This 1991 Honda CRX Si is an anomaly in many ways. It presents a unique and fun challenge (especially for those who want to save money). How long can your car last?

RELATED: 5 Cheap Cars That can Last at Least 500,000 Miles

The post This Honda CRX Has over 1,000,000 Miles on It appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

EV vehicles are no longer considered a flash in the pan. With climate change imminent and the crisis taken seriously by car companies, the push to switch to electric vehicles has taken on a new urgency. Companies like Volkswagen have vowed that their entire lineup will soon be nothing but EVs. 

The Biden administration has taken the impending climate change very seriously. It is taking steps to undo some of the former administration’s efforts to diminish the environmental impact that combustion engines cause on the environment. President Biden is doing everything to help the EV movement, including taking an unscheduled trip in a Jeep Wrangler PHEV at a recent event. Ford and many other manufacturers are heading in the same direction with their electric vehicle lineup, so it looks as though the message has gotten through loud and clear. 

Biden’s stance on EVs

President Joe Biden speaking to reporters near a Jeep Wrangler 4xe model | JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Biden is a self-professed car guy. So, it’s no surprise that the president will be all-in when it comes to anything car-related. The Biden administration has definitely focused on EVs and the important changes that need to be made in the automotive industry concerning climate change. 

With the skyrocketing popularity of the Jeep Wrangler in recent years, the next logical step for the brand was to introduce an electric version of the vehicle since most car manufacturers are leaning toward EVs now to compete with companies such as Tesla and Volkswagen. Jeep is banking a lot on their future PHEEV and EV products. The next big-ticket EV offering they are planning will be a Jeep Grand Cherokee EV reboot for the 2022 model year.

Biden’s impromptu spin in a Wrangler 4xe

The Jeep Wrangler is popular with many consumers, but most don’t know that there is an electrified version of the vehicle. At a recent press event at the White House, the president unexpectedly expressed interest in taking the new Jeep Wrangler 4xe for a spin, to which Mark Stewart, chief operating officer of Stellantis North America, replied, “(the) keys are in the Jeep.”

With that suggestion, the president hopped in and took a little drive. Sometimes it’s good to be the president.

The increased prices of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and it sold faster than any other PHEV last quarter. The 4xe, pronounced “4 by e”, pumps out a whopping 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, which is very impressive considering it’s a PHEV. According to Jalopnik, the Sahara edition Wrangler 4xe now sells for $51,025, a $3,030 price increase. The next step up, the Rubicon 4xe, now starts at $54,725. Finally, at the top of the line is the High Altitude edition that starts at $56,845.

The increased price tag has some consumers grumbling, but it will also help pave the way for future Jeep EVs to stay competitive in the automotive industry. Furthermore, despite the recent price increase on the Wrangler 4xe, EVs are getting more affordable. The technology required for EVs is getting cheaper, and so are the vehicles. Combine the increasing affordability with the fact that the president is even getting behind them, and you’ve got a recipe for success for the automakers and the environment.

RELATED: A Jeep Might Be the Best Brand to Blast Through a Climate Disaster

The post Jeep Wrangler 4xe Prices Soar After Joe Biden Is Seen Driving One appeared first on MotorBiscuit.