Buying a 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser? Don’t Even THINK About Reselling It

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It isn’t a secret that many buyers want to get the new Land Cruiser as soon as possible. However, Toyota Japan issued a statement reminding buyers that the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser cannot be re-sold immediately. What is the point of such a statement? Toyota doesn’t want the Land Cruiser falling into the wrong hands.

Buying a 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser in Japan

Don’t sell your 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota

Buyers in Japan who will be able to purchase the vehicle have been issued a warning from Toyota. Initially, orders for the 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser were suspended last week due to safety concerns. Toyota was worried that many of the orders were going to be resold and exported once delivered.

Due to the Foreign Exchange Law, Toyota was concerned that the Toyota Land Cruiser would fall into the wrong hands. This, presumably, could tarnish the reputation of the beloved Land Cruiser and Toyota. After July 25th, Toyota issued a warning for those planning on flipping the vehicle for resale in a prohibited country.

Don’t even think about flipping your 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser

2022 Toyota Land Cruiser
2022 Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota

In a statement to Mag X, the Toyota Public Relations department issued a statement. The statement is lengthy but notes that Toyota is concerned that the Land Cruisers will immediately flow from Japan to overseas areas where “security is regulated.”

“If a Toyota dealer is accused of being involved in a violation of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Law (Foreign Exchange Law) and is subject to investigation, not only the Toyota dealer but all Toyota dealers will be investigated. We recognize that this will be a major problem for dealers and Toyota Motor Corporation.”

Toyota

With that, Toyota is asking each buyer to pledge compliance with these regulations. “This kind of response is based on the recent world situation and the characteristics of the Land Cruiser vehicle, so we believe that it does not violate the Antimonopoly Act.” Additionally, this means the dealership can be held liable for selling the vehicle.

What does all of this mean?

Toyota is asking that buyers explicitly agree that these Land Cruiser vehicles will not be immediately resold and end up participating in unsavory acts around the globe. The Foreign Trade Law is long and complicated, but the brand is trying to get out in front of bad press. Is this remotely enforceable? Probably not.

So if you planned on purchasing the new Land Cruiser and flipping it immediately, your plans have officially been foiled. However, it seems this agreement only lasts for 12 months. So enjoy your Land Cruiser for a year and flip away. Everyone knows Land Cruisers last for decades anyway. In fact, these vehicles like to run for more than 200,000 miles.

If you have a new 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser on order, get to pledging. There are over 20,000 pre-orders for the vehicle currently. That’s a lot of potential vehicles getting flown around the globe. However, feel free to hit us up after 12 months and one day so we can ship one to Florida.

RELATED: 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ80 inspired the 2022 Land Cruiser J300

The post Buying a 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser? Don’t Even THINK About Reselling It appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

The Most Efficient Car For City Driving Vs. Highway Driving

by Gabrielle DeSantis

You often see gas mileage rated for city driving and highway driving. That’s because those are two totally different ways of tackling the road. One requires constant acceleration and braking, which burns more fuel, while the other has engines rev low for hours at a time. And while small city cars may have better mileage, their gas tanks aren’t big enough to tackle road trips. You wouldn’t want to take a city car on a long haul, and you wouldn’t want to drive a road tripper in the city. So which cars are best equipped to handle these different driving environments?

2021 Mitsubishi Mirage | Mitsubishi

The best car for the city: the Mistubishi Mirage

City driving is often slow, and the streets are often cluttered. That makes the small and somewhat lackluster Mitsubishi Mirage the most efficient city car you can get. With just 78 horsepower from a 1.2L three-cylinder engine, what it lacks in performance it makes up for in economy. Able to get 36 miles per gallon in the city (and 43 highway), it beats out the infamous Civic in terms of fuel efficiency. On top of that, the Mirage is dirt cheap.

Starting at just $15,565 ($16,565 if you don’t know how to drive a stick), it doesn’t have much, just a 7 inch infotainment screen and a cargo capacity better than that of the Chevy Spark. So for tooling around the city it’s a good pick. But its 9.2-gallon fuel tank means it’s only good for about 400 miles on the highway. And you probably don’t want to try accelerating up to 60mph in a car with just 78 horsepower. With that said, what’s the best car for the long haul?

The best car for the highway: the Ram 1500

Ram 1500 pickup truck at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 15, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan.
The Ram 1500 | Scott Olson/Getty Images

You certainly wouldn’t want to drive this beast on narrow city roads, but on road trips, the Ram 1500 can just keep going. Granted, you have to purchase one with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine if you want to get the best gas mileage: 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. While 32mpg doesn’t sound like much, but when paired to a 33-gallon fuel tank, the Ram 1500 can get over 1,000 miles (yes, 1,000 miles) on a single tank of gas. That makes this the most efficient car for long hauls, no questions asked. Just don’t look at the gas bill when you do have to fill up.

And that range is supplemented by an extremely capable truck. With 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, the Ram 1500 can tow upwards of 12,000lbs. That’d certainly affect the range, but if you ever needed to use it as a truck, you could use it as a truck. It all starts at just $33,000, featuring plenty of room for 4 and a bed capable of carrying 2,000lbs. You’ll have all the space you need for your friends and your stuff as you get from coast to coast in just 3 stops (4 stops if you take the long route).

But let’s say you don’t want a tiny hatch for the city, and you don’t want a large diesel truck for long highway drives. Luckily, there’s one car that’ll meet you in the middle.

The best of both worlds: the Hyundai Ioniq Blue

Hyundai Ioniq Blue Hybrid
Hyundai Ioniq Blue Hybrid | Hyundai

There’s no denying that hybrids can be more efficient in both city and highway scenarios. And the Hyundai Ioniq Blue beats out big-name competitors like the Toyota Prius when it comes to both city and highway efficiency. With 58 mpg in the city and 59 mpg on the highway, it’ll get you just over 700 miles of highway driving in a single fill-up thanks to the 12-gallon tank.

It also starts at just $23,000, making it an affordable sedan in general. With Apple CarPlay/Android Auto built-in, as well as a few safety features such as blind-spot detection, it’ll take on day to day life while using the least amount of gas possible. And Hyundai says that every 2021 Ioniq comes with 3 years of 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. In terms of bang for your buck, it doesn’t get much better than that.

So whether you’re driving a mile to the store, 1,000 miles across state lines, or somewhere in between, there’s a car out there with the best gas mileage for your lifestyle. And it’s ready to take you down whichever roads you choose.

RELATED: The Most Fuel-Efficient Sports Cars

The post The Most Efficient Car For City Driving Vs. Highway Driving appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

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

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Shopping for a new car on a budget? In need of one with all-wheel drive (AWD)? Then we’ve got good news for you. U.S. News & World Report recently revealed its picks for the best AWD sedans of 2021. Let’s talk about the most affordable AWD cars to make the cut.

5. The 2022 Audi A4 is one of the best AWD sedans

2021 Audi A4 | Audi

Price: $39,100
Price with AWD: $39,100

There’s a lot to like about the 2022 Audi A4. It’s a new compact luxury car that offers up an “excellent balance of power, ride quality, and handling,” U.S. News reports. It’s also among the organization’s top picks of the best AWD sedans of 2021. And even better? This new luxury car costs under $40,000.

Perhaps what’s most enticing about the 2022 Audi A4, however, is that it comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it an excellent choice for those in the market for an affordable AWD sedan. The new Audi A4 is fuel-efficient too. With a 201-hp turbo-four engine under the hood, this Audi sedan delivers an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

4. The 2021 BMW 2 Series is an affordable AWD luxury car

A grey BMW 2 Series driving past a grassy field and thick tree line
BMW 2 Series | BMW

Price: $35,700
Price with AWD: $37,300

The 2021 BMW 2 Series landed a spot on U.S. News’ list of the best AWD sedans of 2021 too. Much like the new Audi A4, the BMW 2 Series is also one of the most affordable new cars on U.S. News’ list. In fact, the new 2 Series starts at $35,700. Unfortunately, the BMW 2 Series isn’t standard with all-wheel drive. The good news is that upgrading to it isn’t all that expensive.

The new 2 Series has plenty more going for it too. Despite its affordable price, the interior of this year’s model comes outfitted with no shortage of premium materials. It also comes stocked with high-tech features, including a 6.5-inch display and Apple CarPlay. Also available are features like a 10.25-inch infotainment display, a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo, and wireless device charging.

3. The 2022 Genesis G70 is a small luxury car with all-wheel drive

A white 2022 Genesis G70 rounding a curve on an empty road, the G70 is one of the best affordable AWD sedans of 2021
2022 Genesis G70 | Genesis

Price: $37,525
Price with AWD: $39,625

The 2022 Genesis G70 is a new luxury car that delivers a “fun driving experience.” It’s also one of the best AWD drive sedans of 2021. And even better? This year’s new Genesis G70 boasts a starting price of just under $40,000. Adding all-wheel drive isn’t that large of an expensive either. In fact, it only adds $2,100 to the base price of this new AWD sedan.

This year’s new Genesis G70 isn’t just one of the best AWD drive cars of 2021. As a matter of fact, U.S. News also ranks it as one of the best luxury small cars of 2021. The G70 successfully outranked models like the 2021 BMW 2 Series and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.  

2. The 2021 Kia Stinger is one of the most affordable AWD sedans

A red 2021 Stinger GT2 RWD driving
2021 Kia Stinger | Kia

Price: $36,090
Price with AWD: $43,690

The 2022 Genesis G70 and the 2021 Kia Stinger share a lot in common. Both models come equipped with similar engines. They’re built in the same factory too. And, even better? They both landed a spot on U.S. News’ list of the best AWD cars of 2021. Though, it’s no surprise that the Kia Stinger was one of the publication’s top picks. After all, U.S. News calls the Kia Stinger one of the “best-kept secrets in the sports-sedan world.”

U.S. News has plenty of reasons to sing the Stinger’s praises too. This affordable AWD sedan boasts a “muscular engine lineup” and “poised ride.” Its interior is also reasonably upscale and provides ample amounts of space for both the driver and passengers. Even better, the new Kia Stinger is backed by Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

1. The new Mazda3 is the best affordable AWD car of 2021

A dark blue 2021 MAZDA3 driving, the new Mazda3 is the best affordable AWD car on U.S. News' list
2021 Mazda3 | Mazda

Price: $20,650
Price with AWD: $25,245

The 2021 Mazda3 found itself near the top of U.S. News’ list. While several more expensive new car models outranked it, it is the most affordable AWD car on the organization’s list. In fact, with a starting price of just $24,100, the new Mazda3 also finds itself among the most affordable new cars under $25,000.

Upgrading to all-wheel drive doesn’t drive up the cost of this AWD sedan either. Sure, you’ll have to opt for the Select trim or higher, but all-wheel drive won’t add more than $1,400 to the car’s price. Even better, U.S. News says this affordable AWD sedan is a “delight to drive” and is a “fantastic choice for the price.”

Is AWD worth the money?

Not all cars come standard with all-wheel drive. That means, to get it, you should anticipate spending a bit more. But if you need a vehicle that can handle slippery surfaces and unpaved roads? Then U.S. News’ picks for the best AWD sedans of 2021 is a great place to start, especially if you need an affordable AWD car.

RELATED: Affordable Sporty New Cars Under $40,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports

The post 5 Best Affordable AWD Sedans of 2021 According to U.S. News & World Report appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Failing to Follow These Generator Safety Rules Could Kill You

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you own a portable generator or know someone who does, it can seem as innocuous as a home appliance. And if you live in an area where the weather tends to be extreme, you know that generators can be lifesavers. But they don’t come without risks. Knowing basic generator safety is a must, and pairing that knowledge with a Consumer Reports-recommended model can bring you peace of mind.

Portable generators are must-haves when the power goes out

Portable generator | Ameer Al Mohammedaw/picture alliance via Getty Images

We often look at bad weather or natural disasters as causing varying degrees of hardship, depending on where we live. People in the Midwest deal with tornadoes yet can’t imagine living in Key West and facing hurricanes. The same could be said about certain parts of Texas, where people aren’t prepared for the same harsh winter weather that people in, say, Montana are accustomed to. And let’s not forget raging wildfires and destructive earthquakes in California.

Nevertheless, whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, power outages are the common denominator. While various weather phenomena pose unique challenges, having power makes dealing with hardships a little easier. For this reason, a portable generator is a must-have for any household, no matter where you live. In fact, people can even use the Ford F-150 hybrid’s onboard generator to power their homes.

Important safety tips for operating a portable generator

The key danger of running a generator is carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from the exhaust. Of course, other hazards include electric shock and fire. Believe it or not, portable generators can produce enough power to electrocute someone under certain conditions.

Keeping your generator in a dry place will help you avoid electrocution. That means don’t use it in the rain or on wet surfaces. If you have to operate it outdoors, place it under an open canopy-like structure. Use something to keep it raised above ground level to prevent water from pooling around it. And never touch a generator with wet hands.

Also, a hot engine can ignite gasoline during refueling, so turn off the generator and allow it to cool first. Store fuel in an approved container in an area away from sparks and/or flames.

Be sure your generator is properly grounded, and never plug it into a wall outlet. Plug generators only into a two-way transfer switch. Called “back-feeding,” plugging a generator into a wall socket is not only illegal in most areas but also potentially damaging to your home’s electrical system.

Finally, you’ll find the most pertinent safety tips in the manufacturer’s user manual.

3 safer models that Consumer Reports recommends

Consumer Reports recommends three generators that will keep you safer than others.

The lowest-rated generator of the three is the Echo EGI-2300. Consumer Reports gave it an overall score of 67 out of 100. It scored only 3 out of 5 in terms of power output but scored a perfect 5 for power quality. When it comes to noise, ease of use, and co-safety technology, this model scored above average at 4/5 in all three categories.

CR calls the Echo EGI-2300 “the best in its class … It’s quiet and produces 1,800 watts. It has a CO safety shutoff, plus it’s designed to produce lower CO emissions. It runs up to 12 hours on a tank of gas.”

The second model is the Cat RP8000 E, which earned an overall score of 72. It scored 5/5 for power delivery and 4/5 for power quality and ease of use. As for CO safety technology, it got on 3/5. It scored terribly for its noise level at 2/5. However, not only does the Cat RP8000 provide 18 hours of running time on a single tank of gas, but “it provides steady, reliable power and features an electric start. It has a built-in CO safety shutoff.”

Scoring the highest of the three models is the Ryobi RYi4022X, with an overall 87. It earned a 5/5 for power delivery, power quality, and CO safety technology. It also got a good 4/5 for ease of use and a so-so 3/5 for noise. According to Consumer Reports, the “Ryobi offers stellar performance all around, including ratings of Excellent for power delivery and power quality. It has an electric start and a CO safety shutoff. It runs up to 23 hours on a single tank of gas.”

RELATED: What Are the Best Generators for Your RV?

The post Failing to Follow These Generator Safety Rules Could Kill You appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by