The Nissan Leaf Just Became the Cheapest Electric Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Electric vehicles have taken a larger percentage of the total new-vehicle market share than ever before. Most automakers are either currently rolling out their flagship EVs or planning to in the coming years. Nissan got into the electric vehicle game early on with the Nissan Leaf in 2010. Now, the Nissan Leaf is about to become the most affordable EV on the market.

Nissan just produced the cheapest EV

The Nissan Leaf | Sjoerd van der Wal via Getty Images

The Nissan Leaf has been around for over a decade. The electric vehicle is a pioneer in its vehicle class and has only improved with time. The Leaf has managed to stay relevant in the EV space despite the arrival of newer and often more capable competitors.

The compact Nissan Leaf has always been affordable, and thanks to federal and local tax incentives, it is actually cheaper than many gas-powered new compact cars. According to Electrek, Nissan’s newest Leaf will start at $27,400. This shockingly low new price means that Nissan Leaf models could potentially start at under $20,000 with the help of EV incentives, making it the cheapest EV on the market by far.

The Nissan Leaf’s new price reduction makes it cheaper than the Tesla Model 3 by almost $20,000. It is cheaper than the Chevrolet Bolt EV by over $11,000. The base model Nissan Leaf can only travel an estimated 150 miles on a single charge. It isn’t the most capable EV by far, but its affordability is unmatched, making it one of the best entry-level EVs on the market.

Is the Nissan Leaf a reliable car?

A white Nissan Leaf.
The Nissan Leaf | Nissan

Car maintenance can get expensive. EV maintenance can get even more expensive with brands like Tesla. The Nissan Leaf requires very little maintenance over years of use. It is extremely affordable to maintain. The newest Nissan Leaf should provide years of great use and reliability at an unbeatable price.

Nissan Leaf batteries don’t usually experience degradation until at least 8 years or 60,000 miles. They can last much longer with battery changes and proper maintenance. The Nissan Leaf has proven itself to be reliable and is also a very popular used EV.

Why are Nissan Leafs so cheap used?

An orange Nissan Leaf.
The Nissan Leaf | Nissan

Used Nissan Leafs are extremely cheap because they don’t have the best range. The Leaf’s design is very basic, and replacing its battery can be costly. Used Nissan Leaf models depreciate quickly. They aren’t the most practical used electric vehicles, but they are perfect for drivers who want an inexpensive EV to travel short distances with.

The Nissan Leaf can be a great choice for a used EV as long as you know what you’re signing up for. The Lithium-ion battery pack costs thousands of dollars alone and the labor costs for EVs are often more expensive and complex than gas-powered vehicles at the moment. If you are looking for an entry-level compact electric car then the Nissan Leaf is a great way to test the waters. Its newest model creates the perfect opportunity to make the shift to electric.

RELATED: Is the Nissan Leaf Plus Worth Its Big Price Tag?

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Edmunds Reveals The Best First New Cars for First-Time Buyers

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying your first new car can make for an intimidating experience. After all, the market is rife with options. And some of those options? They’re pretty appealing. But as appealing as those options may be, are they really the best new cars for first-time buyers? Maybe, maybe not. The good news is that Edmunds recently revealed its picks for the best first new cars for first-time buyers. Read on to find out which new cars made the cut.

The 2021 Kia Soul is one of the best first new cars

2021 Kia Soul | Kia

For first-time car buyers in the market for a small SUV, the 2021 Kia Soul is one of the best first new cars you can buy, Edmunds reports. Sure, its boxy shape makes it stand out from the crowd, but according to Edmunds, its distinctive profile works. Not only that, but the Kia Soul is extremely easy to get in and out of and offers a wealth of both passenger and cargo space.

A stylish exterior and spacious interior aren’t all that 2021 Kia Soul has going for it either. This year’s model also comes stocked with safety features when you upgrade to the Kia Soul S. Safety features include forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, lane change assist, driver attention warning, blindspot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist. With so many safety features to its name, it’s no surprise the IIHS named the Kia Soul a 2021 Top Safety Pick.

As for how much the 2021 Kia Soul costs? This year’s model is among the most affordable new cars under $20,000. In fact, at its cheapest, the 2021 model costs $17,590. However, that is with a manual transmission. With an automatic transmission, the cheapest Kia Soul will run you approximately $19,090. At its most expensive, the 2021 Kia Soul costs $27,650.

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster is a stylish pick for first-time buyers

A silver 2021 Hyundai Veloster parked in front of a storefront
2021 Hyundai Veloster | Hyundai

Edmunds also chose the 2021 Hyundai Veloster as one of the best first new cars. Much like the 2021 Kia Soul, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster boasts a distinctive look that’s hard to miss. Further, according to Edmunds, its three-door hatchback layout makes it ideal for those in the market for a vehicle that boasts a “sporty, coupe-like appearance.” 

Perhaps what’s most enticing about the 2021 Hyundai Veloster is its available turbocharged engine, Edmunds reports. While its standard 147-hp engine certainly gets the job done, its available turbocharged engine delivers a thrilling 201-hp and “quick acceleration.” 

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster is a safe car too. In fact, this year’s model comes standard with driver-assist safety features like forward collision-avoidance assist, a driver’s blind spot mirror, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warnings. Similar to the Kia Soul, the 2021 Hyundai Veloster is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick. 

The 2021 Honda Accord is a sensible choice for first-time car buyers

A silver 2021 Honda Accord driving in a city, the 2021 Honda Accord is a new midsize sedan and one of the best new cars for first-time buyers
2021 Honda Accord | Honda

Perhaps you’re more interested in buying a new sedan as your first car. The good news is that Edmunds selected the 2021 Honda Accord as one of the best first new cars for first-time car buyers, and for good reasons too. The 2021 Honda Accord starts at $24,970 and, according to Edmunds, is “roomy, upscale and enjoyable to drive.”

Edmunds isn’t the only one singing the 2021 Honda Accord’s praises, either. In fact, Consumer Reports ranks this year’s model as one of the best new midsized cars. The organization gave it an 84 overall score. It also gave it an 89 in road tests, adding that “The Accord strikes a happy compromise between sporty driving and family-friendly ride comfort.”

The 2021 Honda Accord is one of the safest new cars on the market today too. It comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes safety features like a collision mitigation braking system, a road departure mitigation system, a lane-keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

The 2021 Toyota Venza is the best fuel-efficient SUV for first-time buyers

A 2021 Toyota Venza driving over a bridge on a sunny day
2021 Toyota Venza | Toyota

The 2021 Toyota Venza also landed a spot on Edmunds’ list of the best first new cars for first-time buyers. Though, it’s no surprise as to why. The 2021 Toyota Venza starts at $32,570 and comes equipped with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain that delivers an EPA-estimated 40 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. According to the EPA, those ratings will save you approximately $2,750 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new car.

The 2021 Toyota Venza is comfortable, too, Edmunds reports. Its front seats are as comfortable as they are supportive. Meanwhile, rear-seat passengers are treated to pretty comfortable seats as well. Further, the new hybrid SUV’s dual-zone climate control system provides “more than adequate cooling.”

As for how much this new hybrid SUV will cost you? As mentioned previously, the 2021 Toyota Venza starts at $32,570. Upgrading to the XLE will have you spending $36,100. At its highest price, this year’s new Toyota Venza will cost you approximately $39,900.

Which is the best new car for you?

Shopping for your first new car can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Edmunds’ list of the best first new cars for first-time buyers makes for an excellent place to start. Try taking each of these models for a test drive, and, chances are, you’ll find yourself behind the wheel of the best new car for satisfying all of your daily driving needs.

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

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Talking Head Continues Blabbing While GMC Sierra Rolls into Lake and Sinks

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The news must go on, or so it seemed as this newscast blabbed on while just behind him disaster struck. Someone’s new GMC Sierra HD Denali was slowly being swallowed up in the lake. And the slow demise of the expensive truck was all caught on film for posterity. 

This happened at Lake Springfield in Illinois. A news crew for ABC News Channel 20 was taping a talking head when just behind him a boat was being launched. And successfully, we might add. 

The news crew seemed unaware one GMC Sierra was slipping into the lake

Sinking GMC Sierra | YouTube

But then the GMC Sierra began moving down the boat launch. While onlookers waved their hands and watched, the GMC truck slid into the lake bubbling about. And the talking head blabbed on, completely unaware of the drama unfolding right behind him. 

It is unclear exactly what happened. This seemed to be a successful boat launch. But for whatever reason, the GMC Sierra went into the drink after the boat was in. We know there are no recalls for brake or park issues. So it is hard to tell. 

Later that evening the Sangamon County Rescue Squad fished the truck out of the lake. Even a short stay underwater means the truck is totaled. But especially with it in the lake for hours before being rescued, it’s toast. 

There are a few simple steps to avoid what was the fate of this GMC Sierra

Sinking GMC Sierra
Sinking GMC Sierra | YouTube

There are a multitude of videos on YouTube showing similar dunkings. Failed launchings look to be as common as flies. But following a few simple steps can prevent this from happening to you. Keep these in mind if you’re going to be launching a boat from a ramp for the first time.

First, make sure everything you’ll need once you’re in the water is in the boat. Once you get your turn don’t delay, but don’t rush, either. Just remember there are others waiting to do their launch, too. Once you’ve successfully launched your boat don’t create a huge wake with your truck as you depart.

Make sure you have the practice to back up boats and trailers beforehand. You don’t want to hold things up making numerous attempts to line the boat up. Tie a line to the bow and then give the front cable some slack. Make sure the boat is hanging out about a foot past the rear of the trailer before entering the water. 

Here’s how to successfully launch a boat

retrieving a sunk GMC Sierra
Sunk GMC Sierra | Sangamon County Rescue

After you put a couple of feet of slack into the cable, lock it. Then slowly back the boat down the launch. As the boat gets into the water tap your brakes slightly a couple of times to help nudge it in. Once part of the trailer is in the water the boat should start to float. Helpers should make sure the boat stays lined up and doesn’t start to drift over the trailer. 

Never submerge the trailer completely. Lightly pushing the nose up and then pushing the boat back on the trailer’s rollers should get it into the water without having to submerge the trailer. Now, release the cable, and the helpers should gently continue moving the boat back before hopping in. 

The main thing is to keep your mind on what’s going on and don’t rush. Making sure drain plugs are secure, life vests are accounted for, and tying a line onto the bow should all be part of your standard procedure before launching. With everyone paying attention it should go off without a hitch. 

RELATED: How to Choose the Best Pickup for Towing Your Boat

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You Should Never Buy a Used Car With These Warning Signs, Consumer Reports Says

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Some people have found good deals buying a used car. Others not so much. Sites like Consumer Reports have plenty of useful guides to used car buying. You can get tips for getting the most for your money and how to check a car’s history report. 

Plus, you should know the warning signs to avoid buying a lemon, Consumer Reports advises. Here’s what you should check to find out if something is wrong with the used car you might be thinking of purchasing. 

Exterior signs that can indicate problems in a used car

A rusty used car | Daniel Schäfer/picture alliance via Getty Images

One of the first things you should do is go around the outside of the vehicle, looking for dents in the body and cracks in the windshield. Rust spots can also be an issue, but if there’s only a trace amount, you could clean it up and rust-proof the vehicle to ensure it stays in good shape for a long time. 

Other items to look for include windows, doors, hoods, or trunk lids that don’t seal properly. This could signify that the vehicle was damaged and that someone did a shabby job of repairing it.

Tires are another important item to check. If you notice uneven wear in the rubber, it could indicate there are issues with the steering, suspension, or brakes. 

Interior signs that point to issues

We all love a comfortable, clean, and stylish interior in a vehicle. However, you need to look beyond that to see if big problems are brewing behind the scenes. Look for any cracks in the dashboard, broken or missing knobs, and handles that don’t work. These items are sure signs someone hasn’t taken care of their car. 

Other items, like frayed seat belts, should concern you. If something is worn that badly, it could rip open soon. It might also be an indication that a frontal impact could’ve taken place on the car. An airbag warning light that doesn’t go away is another warning sign of a possible collision. 

What to look for when it comes to performance

To see how well a vehicle performs, you need to take it out for a drive. Pay attention to see if the steering wheel shakes on relatively smooth roads. Does it pull to one side? If so, the used car might need front-end alignment or, worse, have a driveline issue, which could cost a lot of money to repair.

Also, check the exhaust. You don’t want to see black smoke because it could indicate a faulty oxygen sensor or defective mass-air meter. Blue smoke means oil is burning, and that’s likely another expensive repair. 

In addition, how well does the used car accelerate? Do you notice a lot of revving before the vehicle takes off when you press the accelerator pedal? More often than not, you have an automatic transmission problem or a worn-out clutch. The clutch isn’t as expensive to fix as the transmission, though.

You should also listen to the engine for any unusual knocking noises or pings. It could be the engine overheating or an ignition timing problem.

These issues under the hood can indicate bigger problems with a used car

When you look under the hood, you should check for a few things. First, are there any wet or oily spots? Oily substances are an indication of an engine or transmission problem, like a leaky head gasket. Are the belts in good shape, or are they full of cracks and missing rubber pieces? Cracks in belts are a sign of their needing replacement soon, or you could be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a busted belt. 

The next thing you want to check is all the fluid levels. Ensure everything is full, and observe what state the fluid is in. The oil level for the engine should be full or just under full. If it’s too low, the owner either hasn’t taken good care of it, or there’s a major leak somewhere. Also, if the oil is a frothy consistency, you’re probably looking at a damaged cylinder head or bad head gasket. 

Buying a used car doesn’t have to be a headache, but you need to inspect it thoroughly. Ensure there aren’t any signs that something bad could be happening behind the scenes, or you could find yourself with expensive repairs not long after you plunk down your hard-earned money to buy the car. 

RELATED: The Devastating Nature of a ‘Buy Here, Pay Here’ Lot You Might Not Know

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