Buying and Driving Retired Racercars is a Next-Level Automotive Hobby

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Getting any street-legal car ready for the track can be expensive, but if you want to compete in private races or just enjoy the ability to drive your own racecar, you can actually buy a bonafide retired racecar. While you can race your regular performance-oriented street-legal sports car on some tracks and private track events, driving a racecar is a radically different experience, and for some automotive enthusiasts, it’s the best next-level hobby you can have.

Can you buy a retired racecar?

VF-21 single-seater | Andrea Diodato, NurPhoto, Getty Images

The simple answer is yes, you can buy a retired racecar. The more complicated answer would be: if you can find one for sale. Racecars are typically viewed as a piece of motorsports history, and you’d be hard-pressed to find most of them for sale. Of course, if you wanted one that was privately built and raced by a smaller company, your chances of buying a racecar for a reasonable price are much higher. But, if you want to buy a racecar that was driven professionally in whatever circuit or style of racing you’re interested in, you may be looking for a while or left paying a pretty penny.

How much does it cost?

formula 1 racecar
Formula 1 car | Neil Mockford, Getty Images

The answer to this question isn’t as simple because it depends on each individual car itself. The same racecar modified in the same ways might be more or less expensive depending on their racing history if they’ve won specific races or even if they were driven by a specific racecar driver. How much it costs to drive one of these cars also varies because you have to drive them on the racetrack exclusively, you don’t have to pay the same type of registration fees that you would for a street-legal vehicle, but there are additional problems, such as financing, as most racecars cannot be financed through a traditional auto loan.

Racecars are difference than performance-oriented sports cars

Driving a bonafide racecar isn’t the same as driving a performance-oriented sports car. Starting with maintenance and repairs, racecars may have engines and transmissions all the same, but many components of the vehicle may need to be replaced after the car has been retired. Seats and harnesses that are track-approved do expire and will need to be replaced before you can safely drive them on a track. Racecars also typically have different components that require special tools, such as the wheels being a center-lock or the air-jack that requires a high-pressure air compressor to lift the vehicle.

corvette racecar
Corvette Racing team | Scott Varley, MediaNews Group, Torrance Daily Breeze, Getty Images

Besides the car itself, the driving experience is also very different from a performance-oriented sports car. Sports cars, which are designed to be street legal, offer a lot of the luxuries we take for granted — some of which you can’t appreciate until you drive a racecar. This includes sound deadening, suspension dampening, and air conditioning (though some racecars have air vents to allow for airflow). Depending on the type, you may need professional lessons to even be able to drive and operate the vehicle correctly and safely, as the driving and handling experience is so different from that of any regular street-legal sports car — even ones that are designed to be track-focused.

RELATED: Want To Race Your Car? Here’s How To Get It Track Day Ready

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12 Best AWD SUVs of 2021 According to U.S. News, The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Tops the List

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Shopping for a new SUV with all-wheel drive (AWD)? If you are, you’ve got no shortage of options to choose from. The good news is that U.S. News & World Report recently revealed its picks for the best AWD SUVs of 2021. Read on to find out which new AWD SUVs made the cut.

The advantages of buying an AWD SUV 

Before diving into the best AWD SUVs of 2021, let’s talk about the benefits of buying an AWD SUV. Perhaps the biggest advantage of buying an AWD SUV is that it improves an SUV’s performance when driving over wet or snowy roads, U.S. News reports. While AWD is designed for pavement, many AWD SUVs also offer additional drive modes that further optimize performance in snow, sand, and mud. 

There are plenty of other advantages to consider when buying an AWD SUV too. An AWD SUV will offer better acceleration than a two-wheel-drive vehicle in inclement weather, Edmunds reports. AWD also improves dry handling and both traction and towing. AWD has added resale value too.

Perhaps the only downside to choosing a new SUV with AWD is that it typically boosts a vehicle’s sticker price by approximately $1,500-$2,000, reports U.S. News. Though, if you need a car that’s able to take on wet or snowy roads, that additional cost is likely well worth the spend.

The best AWD SUVs of 2021 includes some big names

As for the best AWD SUVs of 2021? U.S. News kicked off its list with the 2021 Subaru Forester. The 2021 Subaru Forester not only comes standard with all-wheel drive but also boasts 8.7-inches of ground clearance, making it a great choice if you often find yourself facing snowy roads and uneven terrain. The new Subaru Forester comes equipped with hill descent control and X-mode traction enhancement for light off-road excursions, too, U.S. News reports.

The 2021 Kia Sportage also landed a spot on U.S. News’ list of the best AWD SUVs of 2021. Though, unlike the Subaru Forester, the Sportage doesn’t come standard with all-wheel drive. The good news is that it only adds $1,500 to the cost of most trim levels. The same goes for the 2021 Mazda CX-9, which also made U.S. News’ list. Though, AWD is slightly more expensive and will cost you roughly $1,900. 

Sitting near the top of the list is another big name, the 2021 Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V is also one of U.S. News’ best compact SUVs for 2021. However, all-wheel drive is optional and will cost you $1,500. The good news is that the CR-V’s available all-wheel drive system includes selectable modes for driving in several conditions, including snow, mud, and sand.

These three-row SUVs landed a spot on the list too

And if you need an AWD SUV with three rows? You’ve still got plenty of options. Take, for example, the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. It’s one of the best AWD SUVs of 2021 and can seat up to eight passengers. The 2021 Honda Pilot is another worthy option and, much like the Hyundai Palisade, offers three rows of seating. Adding AWD will cost you roughly $2,000. However, the Honda Pilot does come standard with AWD if you opt for the top Elite and Black Edition trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Traverse boasts three rows of seating too. It’s also one of the best AWD SUVs of 2021, reports U.S. News. AWD is available on all but the base model and will have you spending between $2,000 and $3,800, depending on the model. The good news is that the Traverse’s all-wheel drive system offers several modes, including an Off-Road and a Tow/Haul mode.

And if you need additional options? U.S. News also named the 2021 Kia Telluride one of the best AWD SUVs of 2021. It boasts three rows of seating too and, according to U.S. News, is an excellent minivan alternative. As for how much all-wheel drive will cost you? Opt for this year’s Telluride, and you can expect to spend $2,000 for all-wheel drive.

The most affordable AWD SUV of 2021 is the Hyundai Kona

While all-wheel drive typically drives up the cost of a new SUV, there are affordable AWD SUVs out there. In fact, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is the most affordable AWD SUV to make U.S. News’ list of the best AWD SUVs of 2021. All-wheel drive is available on all models and costs approximately $1,400. 

All-wheel drive and an affordable price tag aren’t all the 2021 Hyundai Kona has going for it either. According to U.S. News, this affordable AWD SUV also ranks as one of the best subcompact SUVs. It currently outranks popular models like the 2021 Kia Soul, 2021 Hyundai Venue, and the 2021 Honda HR-V.

These new Mazda models are some of the best AWD SUVs too

Now, the 2021 Mazda CX-9 isn’t the only Mazda model to earn a spot on U.S. News’ list of the best AWD SUVs of 2021. As it turns out, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 also landed a spot on the list. The 2021 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with front-wheel drive but can be had with all-wheel drive. Though, it will cost you approximately $1,400 to get it. 

Much like the CX-9 and the CX-30, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 is another Mazda model available with all-wheel drive. It’s also one of the best AWD SUVs of 2021, according to U.S. News. Adding all-wheel drive costs approximately $1,400. However, it does come standard with the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson is the best AWD SUV of 2021

2022 Hyundai Tucson | Hyundai

As for the best AWD SUV of 2021? U.S. News opted for the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. After undergoing a complete redesign, the Hyundai Tucson ranks as the best AWD SUV of 2021 and the best compact crossover SUV, the best compact SUV, and the best SUV with two rows. There’s no denying that those rankings are pretty hard to argue with. Even better, all-wheel drive is available on all trims and won’t cost you more than $1,400.

But just because the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is U.S. News’ pick for the best AWD SUV of 2021 doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right pick for you. If you’re in the market for a new SUV with all-wheel drive, U.S. News’ picks make for an excellent place to start. Try taking each of these models out for a test drive, and, chances are, you’ll find yourself behind the wheel of the best AWD SUV for satisfying all of your daily driving needs.

RELATED: 5 Best Affordable AWD Sedans of 2021 According to U.S. News & World Report

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These Are the Roomiest Cars According to Kelley Blue Book

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The interiors of cars are being used more efficiently with each new model year. But there still has to be love for the big guy too. Kelley Blue Book recently compiled a list of cars best suited for people who get asked, “how’s the weather is up there.” And while they may have to struggle with bad jokes and funny looks, tall people won’t have to worry about fitting in these cars.

2021 Buick Enclave | Buick

The 2021 Buick Enclave has the best headroom

If you want plenty of room for that cranium of yours, look no further than the 2021 Buick Enclave. With 42.6 inches of space from the seat to the ceiling, someone with a taller torso should have no problem sitting upright. That said, the roominess of the car does decrease as you get towards the back. Legroom in the third row is a humble 33.5 inches, in comparison to the 41.2 inches of legroom in the front.

All that space comes with plenty of goodies for the seven people you can stuff inside. There are six USBs scattered throughout the cabin, meaning only one unlucky person would have to do without (or you could just get a spitter). It comes standard with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, which makes accessing your music and maps a breeze. And if you’re carrying all 7 people, the Enclave offers a hearty 23.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. That jumps up to a staggering 98 cubic feet if you get all the seats out of the way.

The 2021 Buick Enclave starts at $41,195, a questionable price for a car that falls right between an entry and luxury SUV.

The 2021 Kia K5 has the best legroom according to Kelley Blue Book

2021 Kia K5
2021 Kia K5 | Kia

Yes, headroom is great, but some people have disproportionally long legs. The 2021 Kia K5 is the perfect option for anyone with that particular build or just people who want to stretch. With 46.1 inches of legroom in the front, there’s plenty of space to spawl. Just be sure you can reach the pedals.

Though that may not be the most impressive statistic: under the hood is a 1.6L turbocharged engine that gives the K5 an EPA rating of 27 mpg city and 38 mpg on the highway. And there’s no shortage of tech in the K5 either, fitted with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and more cellphone-friendly tech. No more pesky cables!

One other fantastic feature the K5 has is an optional Smart Cruise Control, which kicks the standard adaptive cruise control technology up a notch. The K5 will automatically slow down in corners, providing a smooth ride that adapts to your surroundings. And while that is an optional extra, the $23,690 starting price makes the K5 incredibly affordable.

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe is the roomiest all around

A white 2021 Chevy Tahoe driving at dusk
2021 Chevy Tahoe | Chevrolet

It should come as no surprise that Kelley Blue Book picked a full-sized SUV offers the most room on average. The keyword here is average, as the 2021 Chevy Tahoe actually has less headroom than the Enclave and less legroom than the K5. With 42.3 inches of headroom and 44.5 inches of legroom, that’s a .3 and a 1.6-inch difference, respectively. However, you don’t lose too much legroom as you get to the third row, which is 34.9 inches (1.4 inches longer).

You’ll never have to worry about storage space either. Behind the third row of seats, there’s a lofty 25.5 cubic feet of space (1.9 cubic feet larger than the Enclave). And if you remove the seats, the cargo space is a whopping 122.9 cubic feet (much larger than the Enclave, we don’t need to do the math for that.

Starting at $50,295, it’s the most expensive of this bunch, but it’s also the most car. And you don’t miss out on too much tech, although Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and adaptive cruise control both have to be optioned in, bumping the base price up quite a bit.

The kind of car you buy all depends on what you’re looking for. If you can handle the lower ride height of the Kia K5 it’s the cheapest of this group, but if you really need the space, the Chevy Tahoe is the way to go. But Kelley Blue Book provides plenty of other alternatives so that you’ll find the right car in the right size because one size doesn’t fit all.

RELATED: 12 Outstanding Cars Designed for Dogs and Their Humans

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Auto Insurance Companies Are Worried About Losing Money Due to Post-Pandemic Accidents

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Road rage, speeding, and distracted and reckless driving cause car accidents. Of course, fewer drivers on the road means fewer chances to crash. When companies discovered that working from home was a thing and virtual learning kept students out of classrooms, many people parked their cars. They had no place to go.

Though some suggest pandemic drivers are worse than everyday motorists, the data is still out. In fact, many insurance companies saved so much money on claims during the shutdown that they sent rebate checks to their customers. However, stay-at-home orders expired, and workplaces and schools reopened. And insurers now worry.

Pandemic stay-at-home orders greatly reduced traffic on American roads

Car accident | JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced cars on the roads. Fewer cars meant fewer accidents. Subsequently, insurers refunded partial premiums in April and May 2020, NerdWallet reported. And some drivers temporarily canceled some of the more expensive coverage, such as comprehensive and collision. However, this decision left drivers vulnerable in cases of car theft.

Others, who owned their cars outright, canceled their policies altogether and reported the vehicle as not in use. And savvy car owners with loans switched to pay-per-mile insurance, which significantly slashed insurance premiums. Concurrently, these motorists could continue using their vehicles if necessary.

However, 2020 is in the rearview mirror, stay-at-home orders are no longer in effect, and businesses are reopening across the country. Students head back to school, and churches return to in-person worship. In short, for many Americans, daily life is becoming business as usual.

Increasing post-pandemic driving worries insurance companies

It’s noteworthy that the pandemic-related parked cars also benefited insurers. For example, The Wall Street Journal reported that insurance companies saw a significant decline in accident claims. As a result, insurers paid out far less frequently, resulting in a windfall. However, this business model is now coming to an end.

Auto insurers worry about a big jump in claims as people return to the roads. Moreover, these are drivers who might not have been driving for six to 12 months. Similarly, hard-won good habits may give way to reckless driving and similar behaviors. Already, insurers worry about their second-quarter results compared to prior figures.

Avoid paying more for auto insurance as traffic increases

Will insurers charge drivers more? If companies have to keep paying out, they’ll certainly pass that expense to consumers. For drivers who spent a lot of time at home, it makes sense to refresh their understanding of road safety. The WHO identifies the most vulnerable as making up the most traffic deaths.

These are pedestrians, pedal cyclists, and motorcycle riders. Moreover, children and young adults are likelier to die from injuries sustained in a traffic accident. Therefore, it’s up to drivers to get back in the best driving shape before hitting the roads again full time.

For example, you can significantly decrease “dooring” accidents by opening your car door with your right hand. It all but forces you to look behind you for an approaching pedal cyclist. Wear your seatbelt, and if you have passengers, don’t start the car until they’re buckled up too.

Also, another possible spike in accidents might be attributed to the fact that marijuana is now legal in several places. Just as you shouldn’t drink and drive, don’t toke and drive either. By the way, if you were one of the motorists who canceled some or all of their car insurance coverage during the pandemic, remember to reinstate it before you hit the road. Though paying per mile might’ve saved you money, it can now cost you big time if you don’t switch back.

RELATED: The IIHS Has a Perfectly Simple Solution to Stop Drunk Driving

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