The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Better Be a Top Luxury SUV at Over $130,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to luxurious SUVs, there are many to choose from with various price tags. However, most depreciate significantly over time. But one offers too much to lose its value, and that’s the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, aka the G-Wagen. 

According to U.S. News, the G-Class is a winner among the most luxurious SUVs of 2021. So, what’s so great about it, and is it competitively priced?

What does U.S. News love about the Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | Daimler AG

The G-Wagen is built to be a beast at off-roading. With that, it has a cushioned ride, plenty of driver’s assistance features, supportive seats with spacious head and legroom, and an interior that’s better than pretty much all of its rivals. 

U.S. News gives the 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class an overall score of 8.2 out of 10, and the review site rated it a 7.9 out of 10 for its plush, luxurious interior. It comes with one of two engine options. The G 550 and AMG 63 pack a 4.0-liter V8. The base model’s engine produces 416 hp, while the more powerful models harness an impressive 577 hp. 

With its standard four-wheel drivetrain, the G-Wagen can traverse all types of road surfaces. It also helps that it has 9.5 inches of ground clearance. Add its three locking differentials, and you have one rock-crawling brute of an SUV. 

How does the Mercedes-Benz G-Class compare when it comes to price?

The base-model G 550 starts at $130,750. Yes, you read that right — the base model costs well over a hundred grand. The AMG G 63 is even more expensive at $156,450. While the G-Class offers supreme luxury for the interior, it doesn’t come cheap. Here’s what you get for these prices: 

The G 550 provides an infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display screen and a touchpad controller. You also get a 12.3-inch digital driver display, navigational system, 15-speaker Burmester surround-sound stereo, HD and satellite radio, and two USB ports. 

Safety features include pre-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, rearview camera, and traffic sign recognition. 

The AMG G 63 offers all of that plus a few more features. You also get wireless device charging, a sport-tuned suspension, off-road drive modes, and high-performance braking with this trim. 

Why this luxury SUV isn’t so practical

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class a luxurious, top-notch SUV offering more standard features than most other rivals. It would seem that it offers everything you would love in an off-roader, except one thing: the sticker price.

It’s not only expensive but also over-the-top when considering both trims start at over $100,000. The other drawbacks that U.S. News’ testers noted were the resistance they felt in the steering when driving at low speeds and the size of the cargo area, which is smaller than what most of its rivals offer. 

Another disappointing feature is its fuel economy. SUVs of this size are expected to have below-average EPA ratings, but the G-Class gets only about 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. Rivals offer a bit more than that. To top it off, it required premium fuel, the most expensive at the pumps. 

While the G-Wagen has much to offer at a high price, it does have another thing going for it. Its ability to retain its resale value makes spending over $100,000 less painful. 

Related: How Reliable Is the Mercedes G-Class?

The post The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Better Be a Top Luxury SUV at Over $130,000 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Are There Any Affordable Classic BMW Motorcycles Left?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With vintage looks and reasonable reliability, it’s little wonder classic BMW motorcycles have risen in popularity recently. But as is often the case, that increased appreciation comes with increased prices. Some vintage BMW bikes now cost just as much, if not more, than their modern counterparts.

However, that doesn’t mean all classic BMW motorcycles necessarily cost a fortune. There are several models that, according to Hagerty and Bring a Trailer, can be bought for under $10,000. And while classic bikes have their foibles, the 25-year-and-older models described here should be relatively easy—and inexpensive—to live with.

If you want affordable classic BMW motorcycles, look to the early Airheads

1936 BMW R2 | BMW

Among classic BMW motorcycles, some of the most desirable use the brand’s iconic air-cooled boxer-twin engines. One of them, the 1936 R5, was the inspiration for the 2021 R18 cruiser. However, although BMW bikes used air-cooled boxer engines for decades, not everyone calls the earliest models ‘Airheads.’

In general, the 1970 /5 Series bikes are considered to be the first ‘true’ Airheads, Union Garage explains. Available in 498cc R50/5, 599cc R60/5, and 749cc R75/5 form, these bikes have both a kickstarter and an electric starter. Plus, like many BMW bikes, they have low-maintenance shaft drives. And while they’re starting to appreciate, a good-condition /5 BMW is still a sub-$10K vintage motorcycle, Hagerty says.

A black 1975 R90/6 in front of a red garage door
1975 R90/6 | Bring a Trailer

In 1974, BMW replaced the /5 Series with the /6 Series. Visually, these later bikes are similar to their predecessors. However, they’re cheaper than the /5 bikes and offer several upgrades. For one, they have front disc brakes instead of drums. And while the R60 and R75 carried over unchanged, there was a new model: the 898cc R90/6. There was also the R90S, but we’ll get to that bike shortly.

The /6 Series only stuck around until 1976. And the following year, BMW introduced the /7 Series, the final classic Airhead motorcycles. These bikes enjoyed the longest production run: the last left the factory in 1996. As a result, they’re the most modern vintage BMW bikes. That especially applies to the later models, which have features like front-and-rear disc brakes and electronic ignition.

It’s worth noting that not every BMW /7 Series model falls within our $10,000 budget. The /7 Series also includes bikes like the 797cc R80 G/S, the iconic first adventure bike. And some of the touring-focused 980cc R100RT tend to cost more than $10K, too. But other /7 bikes are more affordable.

Can’t afford a BMW R90S? Get an R65 instead

An orange-and-black 1983 BMW R65LS with black panniers on a tree-lined driveway
1983 BMW R65LS | Bring a Trailer

As mentioned earlier, the BMW R90S is technically part of the /6 Series. But it’s often considered a separate model due to its design. That’s understandable given that BMW design the R90S to change the public’s perception of the brand. And because of that design, which helped establish the sport-touring segment, an R90S typically costs more than $10,000.

However, there is a cheaper classic BMW sport-touring motorcycle: the 1982-1984 R65LS. It was designed to be a scaled-down, more affordable version of the R90S, RideApart explains. And while its 648cc boxer-twin engine is less powerful, it still makes a decent 50 hp. Plus, it has a relatively low seat height, comfortable suspension, and a large fuel tank. Combine that with some panniers and you have an excellent vintage touring bike.

It’s also an affordable vintage BMW touring motorcycle. Even a pristine R65LS typically costs less than $8000, Hagerty reports.

The K100 and K75 make for affordable liquid-cooled classic BMW motorcycles

A red-and-black 1980 BMW K75 with black panniers in a garage
1980 BMW K75 | Bring a Trailer

All the classic BMW motorcycles described so far have been air-cooled bikes. However, there are some affordable liquid-cooled vintage BMW bikes, too. Specifically, the K100 and K75, the earliest K Series models.

Nicknamed ‘the Flying Brick,’ the 1983-1992 BMW K100 earned that moniker because of its engine, Silodrome explains. Instead of a boxer-twin, the K100 has a liquid-cooled 987cc flat-four, BMW’s first liquid-cooled motorcycle engine. This fuel-injected engine would later make its way into the K1 sportbike. And BMW would use updated versions of this flat-four up until the mid-2000s, Motorcyclist notes.

Shortly after launching the K100, BMW introduced the 1985 K75, which packed a 740cc three-cylinder version of the K100’s engine. Although it wasn’t as powerful, the K75 lasted three years longer on the market than the K100. But both bikes offered similar touring- and sport-focused trims as well as features. And starting in 1988, those features included ABS.

While the K100 and K75 are liquid-cooled, these classic BMW motorcycles are known for their solid build quality, MCN says. And although they’re starting to be frequently customized, they’re some of the most affordable vintage BMW bikes. Even pristine examples rarely cost more than $6000, Hagerty reports.

So, if you want the vintage two-wheeled BMW experience without breaking the bank, you have plenty of bikes to choose from.

Follow more updates from MotorBiscuit on our Facebook page.

RELATED: This BMW R1150GS Is a Dakar-Style Monster

The post Are There Any Affordable Classic BMW Motorcycles Left? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

What’s the Longest-Lasting Car In Your City?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

iSeeCars recently analyzed more than 11.8 million cars sold in 2020 to determine which models had the highest percentage of vehicles reaching 200,000 miles or more. After determining which cars last the longest, the organization took things one step further by identifying the longest-lasting car in the top 50 most populated cities in America. And based on its data? Chances are, a Toyota is the longest-lasting car in your city.

The Toyota Sequoia is the longest-lasting car in 31 cities

Toyota Sequoia | Toyota

Yes, you read that right. The Toyota Sequoia is the longest-lasting car in 31 cities across America. That includes popular U.S. cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe, Boston, Charlotte, Las Vegas, Memphis, New York, and even Miami. There’s no denying that’s an impressive feat for this Toyota SUV.  

As for how many miles a Toyota Sequoia will last? In its study, iSeeCars determined that the Toyota Sequoia was the second longest-lasting car sold last year. In fact, after analyzing nearly 12 million cars sold in 2020, the organization found that 11.2% of Toyota Sequoia models sold reached at least 200,000 miles. 

Though, that figure should come as no surprise. The Toyota Sequoia is a reliable SUV. As a matter of fact, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Toyota Sequoia a four out of five predicted reliability rating, which is nothing to scoff at. Meanwhile, J.D. Power gave it a Great quality and reliability rating. And Kelley Blue Book? It has also praised the Toyota Sequoia for its excellent reliability.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is the longest-lasting car in 13 cities

A black Toyota Land Cruiser parked overlooking an mountain range
Toyota Land Cruiser | Toyota

But, here’s the thing, the Toyota Sequoia isn’t the longest-lasting car in every U.S. city. As it turns out, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the longest-lasting car in 13 popular U.S. cities. That includes popular U.S. cities such as Austin, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. 

Much like the Toyota Sequoia, the Land Cruiser is built to last. As a matter of fact, the Toyota Land Cruiser lasts longer than the Sequoia. After analyzing its data, iSeeCars found that 16.3% of Toyota Land Cruiser models sold in 2020 reached at least 200,000 miles. Compared to the average for all vehicles, which is 1.0%, that’s a pretty impressive statistic. 

The longest-lasting car in Milwaukee is the Toyota Tundra

A green Toyota Tundra parked in the wilderness
Toyota Tundra | Toyota

Say you live in Milwaukee. If you do, then based on iSeeCars’ data, the Toyota Tundra is the longest-lasting car in your city. The Toyota Tundra is also the longest-lasting truck. Based on iSeeCars’ data, a whopping 3.7% of Toyota Tundra models sold in 2020 reached at least 200,000 miles. While iSeeCars reports that trucks are nearly twice as likely to reach 200,000 miles, the Tundra still surpassed the 1.9% average for its segment. 

The Toyota Tundra is a reliable pickup truck too. In fact, Consumer Reports has given the Toyota truck a five out of five reliability rating several times. J.D. Power has given the Toyota Tundra similarly high-reliability ratings too. 

The longest-lasting car in Detroit isn’t a Toyota

A 2021 Chevrolet Suburban parked in front of a garage
2021 Chevrolet Suburban | Chevrolet

A Toyota isn’t the longest-lasting city in Detroit, however. While the Toyota Sequoia, Land Cruiser, and Tundra may be the longest-lasting cars in some cities, the Chevy Suburban’s the longest-lasting car in Detroit. The Chevy Suburban is one of the longest-lasting SUVs too. In fact, iSeeCars’ data shows that 5.1% of Chevy Suburban models sold in 2020 reached 200,000 miles.

The longest-lasting car in St. Louis, the second-largest city in Missouri, isn’t a Toyota either. Unlike other popular U.S. cities, the longest-lasting car in St. Louis is the Honda Odyssey. With 2.9% of models sold having reached 200,000 miles, it’s also the longest-lasting family car, iSeeCars reports. For good reasons too. 

“The Honda Odyssey consistently earns the distinction of being at the top of its class, thanks to confident handling, a wide spectrum of functionality, and top-rated safety features. These traits allow it to serve as a trusted, long-term family hauler,” iSeeCars explained.

RELATED: The Best New Toyota Models Shouldn’t Surprise You

The post What’s the Longest-Lasting Car In Your City? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by

Is It True That 1 Ohio Town Outlawed Running Out of Gas?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Every year, tens of thousands of drivers find themselves stranded on the side of the road because they ran out of gas. Maybe they overestimated their gas mileage, or maybe they ignored the low-fuel indicator light. But in one Ohio town, is running out of gas against the law?

Signs you’re running out of gas

A person carries a gas can on the side of the road | Marvi Lacar/Getty Images

Your car won’t start

Gasoline combustion engines require a certain level of fuel in the tank for the vehicle to start. In fact, starting is the most fuel-intensive part of engine use, It Still Runs reports. Many automakers include a failsafe mechanism to ensure the vehicle will not fire up without enough fuel in the tank.

Your car stalls regularly

Even if you manage to start a car that’s very low on gas, the engine will probably sputter and stall until you replenish the fuel supply. Stalling can also be symptomatic of another engine problem. If it happens when your low-fuel indicator light isn’t on, drive to the nearest mechanic and have it checked out.

Your car’s low-fuel indicator light is on

The most obvious sign your car needs gas is the light on the dashboard. Amazingly, this is also a sign that many drivers fail to heed. If this happens to you in a certain Ohio city, you could face legal consequences.

The Ohio town where running out of gas is reportedly illegal

There are a lot of nutty traffic laws, some of which make no sense at all. In Massachusetts, it’s unlawful to drive around with a gorilla in the back seat. In Alabama, you can’t drive while wearing a blindfold. Don’t even think about riding a camel on a Nevada highway.

And whatever you do, don’t run out of gas in Youngstown, Ohio. Not only is it a misdemeanor offense, but running out of fuel on a Youngstown road can also earn you a pricey traffic ticket, Thrillist reports.

Thrillist cited no specific laws in its listicle. It simply said that the running-out-of-gas law pertained to “congested” parts of Youngstown. Instead of providing additional information, the link that Thrillist provided led to an error page.

A search of Ohio traffic laws and revised statutes yielded no reference to running out of fuel in Youngstown or anywhere else in the Buckeye State. Nor was information readily available regarding any fines incurred by the hard-to-find statute. A search at Snopes revealed no mention of such a law.

On October 2, 2014, the UberFacts verified Twitter account supported the notion that running out of gas is unlawful in Youngstown despite a preponderance of comments pooh-poohing the idea.

What to do if your car is running out of gas

An illuminated low-fuel light and no gas station in sight can send any driver into a panic. If it happens to you, USA Today recommends doing these things to improve your chances of surviving the situation unscathed:

Turn off the A/C

Your car’s air-conditioning system puts a lot of stress on the engine. A running A/C unit switches on a cabin fan and a power-hungry fan that sits behind the radiator. If your engine sputters or the low-fuel light comes on, turning off the A/C right away will improve what little gas you have left.

Ditch the accessories

The air conditioner isn’t the only accessory that can drain your car in a hurry. If your tank is near empty, turn off the radio and pull your phone out of the charger. Doing so may help you conserve fuel.

Go slower

Gas-powered vehicles tend to be most efficient when at around 35 to 40 mph. If it’s safe to reduce your speed, do that instead of speeding to the next gas station.

Roll up the windows

Open windows increase wind resistance while reducing fuel efficiency in a big way. If you’re running super-low on fuel, open the windows to boost your chances of coasting into a gas station before your tank is empty.

Pull over and get your bearings

As soon as it’s safe to do so, pull over, turn off the engine, and use your vehicle’s onboard navigation system or your cell phone to find the nearest gas station.

Drive downhill

If any downhill roads lead to the nearest filling station, take them if you can. Don’t shift into neutral and coast, though. Doing that turns off the fuels injectors in most modern cars, USA Today explains.

The best way to avoid running out of gas in Ohio or anywhere else

The only way to ensure your car never runs out of gas is to keep the tank at least a quarter full at all times. If you let the level drop lower than that, your vehicle could overheat the fuel pump and suck sediment into the engine, Your Mechanic magazine warns.

The next time you see your car’s fuel is down to a quarter of a tank, go to the nearest gas station and fill ‘er up. You’ll save yourself a lot of hassle and maybe even avoid a ticket in Ohio.

RELATED: Gasoline Has a Shorter Shelf Life Than You Think

The post Is It True That 1 Ohio Town Outlawed Running Out of Gas? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

/by