The Jeep Renegade Is Nicer Than You Think

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s common for people to ignore Jeep models aside from the Grand Cherokee due to not having the best reputation for a quality interior. But don’t let the Jeep Renegade fool you. As the lowest-priced Jeep model, it could surprise you. 

The Jeep Renegade is value-packed 

2021 Jeep Renegade | Jeep

The 2021 Jeep Renegade has an MSRP of $22,850. This is cheaper than the Jeep Compass that begins at around $24,495. Generally, people think that the cheapest model has the cheapest quality, but the Renegade bucks modern trends. 

Despite not having many changes since 2015, there are notable updates for 2021. The Renegade gained standard blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Plus, a new 7-inch infotainment system replaces the older 5-inch unit. 

The 8th Anniversary Edition includes 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels with unique interior upgrades. The new Islander Edition features 19-inch silver rims, hands-free entry, a panoramic sunroof, and island-themed badging. 

Which Jeep Renegade trim level is the best? 

The Jeep Renegade Latitude is often viewed as the best trim level. The Latitude model is the third trim level and begins at about $26,970. It features 17-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, and upgraded interior materials. 

You can add 4×4 for about $1,500. The Latitude features automatic halogen headlamps, body-color power heated mirrors, body-color door handles, black roof rails, deep-tinted sunscreen glass, and cornering fog lamps. 

The interior includes premium cloth-trimmed seats, a techno leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient LED interior lighting, a remote USB port, and sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors. It provides comfort and unmatched off-roading capabilities. 

But you can turn up the heat with the Jeep Renegade Limited for about $31,020. It includes active grille shutters, an 180 amp alternator, the Stop/Start system, and the 1.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. 

The Renegade Limited provides even more luxury 

A blue Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe
Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe | Jeep

The Limited looks the part with power heated mirrors and turn signals, a black painted roof, bright exhaust tip, and Limited badging. Remote vehicle start is a nice perk, plus you get a windshield wiper de-icer and rain-sensitive windshield wipers. 

You’ll notice that the interior features leather-trimmed seats with accent stitching, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and speed controls. You get the 8.4-inch display with HD radio, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, 3-D navigation, SiriusXM Traffic Plus, and Travel Link.  

The eight-way power driver seat includes four-way power lumbar support. Plus, the front seats are heated, and the doors feature vinyl trim. The 115-volt auxiliary outlet comes in handy, as well as the auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

These are some pretty luxurious features, but we would like to see the addition of a wireless phone charger and ventilated seats in the future. Perhaps when the Renegade 4xe comes to America, it will up the ante. 

While the Renegade Trailhawk provides the stiffest ride, it’s also built to provide the most off-roading capability. Other trim models absorb impacts well and provide a smoother ride and quiet interior. Wind and tire noise can be heard at higher speeds. 

The interior is described as spacious and airy. However, leg space in the second row is tight. The layout is simple, and everything is easy to reach, and the seats fold flat to create a surprising amount of space. 

Don’t knock the Jeep Renegade for being the cheapest model until you give it a whirl. The interior is crafted with premium materials, and creature comforts are included for a comfortable and capable ride.

RELATED: Why Aren’t These Hybrid Jeep 4xe Models in America?

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The Best Safe SUVs for Teens, According to the IIHS and Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Letting your teenager drive on the roads can be a scary transition. It can be a little less scary knowing you are sending your teen out in a safe vehicle. Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) compiled a list of the best safe SUVs for teens to help with the process. All of the options on this list are under $20,000 and can be purchased used.

Consumer Reports reccomends the 2014 Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester

Consumer Reports and the IIHS recommended the best safe SUVs for teens | Victor Decolongon/Getty Images for Mazda Motor Co

When it came to used small SUVs, the IIHS had an extensive list of options. The Mazda CX-5 was first on the list, as long as it was a 2014 or newer. The price was a reasonable $9,300 for one of the best safe SUVs on the market. Consumer Reports gave the CX-5 reliability of five out of five, and the owner satisfaction was a three out of five.

The 2014, 2016-2018, and 2020 Nissan Rogue also made the list. For around $10,100, the IIHS recommends this SUV that won’t break the bank. The 2016 Subaru Forester or newer came in a bit higher, at $13,500. However, people love the off-road capabilities and safety features of the Forester.

The Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage are some of the best safe SUVs under $15k

The IIHS and Consumer Reports recommend the 2015+ Honda CR-V. The CR-V received a score of five out of five for reliability, and the owner satisfaction was a three out of five. Consumer Reports found the 2017 CR-V to be OK, but the rest of the years come highly recommended.

The 2017, 2018, and 2020 Kia Sportage are also solid used options. Both of these SUVs are around $14,800. Like the other SUVs, Consumer Reports found the Sportage reliable and safe. The Sportage might even still have a warranty left, depending on the mileage. Kia has an industry-leading warranty of 10-years and 1000,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage. In addition to that, there is also a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for some vehicles.

$15k + options: Toyota RAV4, Honda HR-V, and the Hyundai Kona

The Toyota RAV4, Honda HR-V, and the Hyundai Kona might cost a bit more. The Toyota RAV4 was recommended for 2015 and newer model years. Toyota is known for being affordable and making some of the best safe SUVs on the market. Consumer Reports found the 2015 Toyota RAV4 reliable, and this remained consistent through 2018.

The Honda HR-V made this list for 2017 and newer, but the Consumer Reports reviews don’t live up to the hype. This SUV scored only three out of five for reliability and one out of five for owner satisfaction. Priced around $15,400, the 2018 HR-V might be better for reliability’s sake. The 2018+ Hyundai Kona had a similar price and reliability.

Other notable entries are the 2018-2019 Buick Encore, the 2018+ Hyundai Tuscon, the 2019+ Mazda CX-3, and the 2017 Volvo XC60.

The choices on these lists offer used SUVs that cover three bases: safety, reliability, and affordability. Some of the best safe SUVs will offer all three, and the IIHS and Consumer Reports joined forces to find those options.

RELATED: The Best Selling Cars in America of the 1990s

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Recall Alert: 138,736 Nissan Sedans Have a Potentially Dangerous Steering Problem

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When surveying a random group of car owners regarding the things they hate most about car ownership, more than likely, recalls will be at the top of the list. There’s the inconvenience of taking the car to get it fixed, the dealership upselling them when they come in for the fix, and the hit to the resale value the car takes when the recall order goes out. And at any given time, there’s so much recall information floating around that you may not know whether your model is affected. But if you have a 2020 or 2021 Nissan Sentra, here’s what you need to know. 

The Nissan Sentra steering problem

Nissan logo | Getty Images

According to Consumer Reports, Nissan’s most recent recall affects Nissan Sentra sedans manufactured between November 25, 2019, and March 24, 2021. The manufacturer believes that tie rods were improperly installed in up to 140,000 Sentras, potentially affecting drivers’ control over their vehicles. The tie rods connect a car’s wheels to its steering wheel. Symptoms of bent tie rods include vibrations and an off-center steering wheel. The pressure exerted on the bend over time can cause the tie rod to break and the driver to lose vehicle control.

Nissan has not reported any accidents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to this defect. This Sentra earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and “Good” crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, these evaluations occurred before the recall.

Nissan plans to start notifying owners of the affected models to take their cars back to dealerships for inspections. If the inspection yields a bent tire rod, the dealership will replace it under warranty. Nissan has also provided owners with additional information on their recall site. Sentra owners can also call 1-800-867-7669. If you’re unsure whether your car is subject to this recall, you can type your VIN into the NHTSA website. You should see a recall notice if applicable.

Overall, is a 2020 or 2021 Nissan Sentra a good option?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra is a fairly decent pick for daily commuting. It looks sharp, and its 2.0-liter I-4 produces 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy is solid, with 29 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway for the base model S and SV trim and 28/37 mpg for the top-level SR trim. The handling is also pretty solid for a sedan in this class.

The S trim tech is a bit underwhelming with a 7-inch touchscreen, a four-speaker sound system, and a single USB port. But higher-level trims like the SV and SR add an inch to the touchscreen as well as a 7.0-inch cluster display, an additional USB and one USB-C port, and a six-speaker audio system. You’ll also get Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, with a suite of advanced safety features that come standard across trims. 

Unfortunately, the Nissan Sentra is notorious for its poor resale value. Because the Sentra is a popular vehicle, there are a ton of them on the market. A recall affecting those models could further push down resale prices in the short term. After all, if you’re going to buy a used Sentra, why not buy a 2019 version rather than one subject to recall?

The 2021 model is a refresh that significantly upgrades the car. The 2019 and 2020 versions of the vehicle have some serious flaws that may make you think twice. 

What to know if you’re considering a 2019 Sentra

Upon its release, the 2019 model Nissan Sentra was sharply criticized for its underpowered engine: a 1.8-liter I-4 producing just 124 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Another, more expensive engine option is a 1.6-liter turbo-four generating 188 hp and 177 lb-ft.  Its handling didn’t get much higher remarks, although its fuel economy was solid at 27/33 mpg.

The 2019 model’s trunk was fairly impressive at 15.1 cubic feet. The 2019 model’s tech options are also solid but not mind-blowing for this segment. The advanced safety features that come with the Nissan Safety Shield aren’t available on the base model S. In fact, most advanced safety measures are only available on the Sentra’s SR and top-level SL trim.

You may be able to avoid the recall hit to its resale value, but the 2019 Nissan Sentra is worse in a few significant ways than the 2020 and 2021 versions. If you must have a Sentra, your best bet is buying one of these models and having it checked for bent tie rods before it leaves the lot.

RELATED: 6,000 Nissan Sentra Models Recalled After a Production Goof

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A Cheap Super-Low-Mileage 2006 Ford GT Is For Sale For Anyone Brave Enough

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Would you be willing to fork over the cash to attempt to restore this super-low mileage 2006 Ford GT? Of course, you would… Let’s keep it real here; the internet is teeming with car nerds boasting about how easily they could take a wrecked supercar and get it back together. These situations require loads of time, money, and commitment to not only buy the car and restore it but also the legal and paperwork involved with getting cars like this back on the road and insured. Sorry, was that too much realism to be fun? 

2006 Ford GT | Copart

However, Every once in a while, a broken supercar shows up with 714 miles on it, and the damage seems to be within the realm of actually fixing. On infrequent occasions, that supercar is one of the most coveted examples of its breed. Let’s take a closer look at this 2006 Ford GT. 

This is probably the most affordable 2006 Ford GT on the market

Ford GT with trunk, hood and doors open
2006 Ford GT | Copart

There is a 2006 Ford GT ready to be someone’s next project sitting at Copart. Not only is this the most affordable Ford GT around, but it also only has 714 miles and actually runs! Yep. While most of Copart’s wares are mere shadows of their former selves, this 2006 Ford GT seems to be in fairly good shape, all things considered. 

That being said, this low-mileage supercar will still require a lot to get it back to its former glory. As you might be able to tell from the photos, this 714-mile Ford GT took a bit of a knock to its nose, which is why it ended up at Copart. Not only is it going to need a new bumper and likely some other pricy bodywork to make everything match up nicely, but the suspension also seems to be out of sorts. 

CarScoops seems to think this could be a good candidate for restoration instead of many of Copart’s cars that are destined to be parted out and scrapped. For the first time, I gotta say, this wrecked dream exotic car truly feels like a good candidate for saving. 

Thankfully, due to the Ford GT’s mid-engine platform, the engine is still in perfect shape after the crash because it is mounted behind the cabin instead of being upfront. This might mean that the only work needed on the Ford GT is body and suspension. Don’t get me wrong, on a car like this, that could still easily mean tens of thousands of dollars, but it’s doable. 

What is the GT Heritage model? 

2006 Ford GT dashboard with "714" miles on the readout
2006 Ford GT | Copart

In 2006, Ford made a limited number of special Ford GT Heritage cars finished in this iconic orange and blue Gulf style livery. Given that Ford GTs were already very limited from the start, that would make an extra limited Heritage model quite a rare bird indeed. 

Unfortunately, this one here is not likely one of them. While it may look the part at first, the GT Heritage came with a white circle for race numbers, which this car doesn’t have, and silver brake calipers. The calipers on this car are red. 

Although it’s unlikely that this is a Heritage car, a search of the VIN fails to reveal whether it is a Heritage model or not. The VIN search does confirm that it has a salvage title and must have been crashed sometime between February 16, 2021, when an airbag recall was performed, and June 12, 2021, when the incident report was made.

How much is a Ford GT worth? 

2006 Ford GT in a junk yard awaiting auction
2006 Ford GT | Copart

This is truly a special car in more ways than one. Not only is it insanely cool and equally rare, but it is also a super low-mileage version that, even with its damage, will have many buyers excited about it stepping up to the plate for restoration. 

Copart shows the current bid at $249,000 with four days to go. Yes, this car has problems, and getting it on the road with a salvage title will be a trick, but seeing as how these retail for over twice the current bid, something tells me this number has a bit more room to grow. It will still likely be the most affordable Ford GT on the market.

RELATED: Ultra-Rare $300,000 Ford GT Is Secretly a Free Car

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