Is It Worth It to Fight a Speeding Ticket?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Getting a speeding ticket is a truly unpleasant experience. It’s hard to overstate just how stressful, costly, and nerve-wracking the process can be. A ticket can also have a massive effect on your insurance rates. This is just one of the variables to consider. Time is another. Fighting a speeding ticket can be a worthy endeavor, but only if you put in the time and effort to make it one. Hopefully, this guide will serve as a point of reference should you decide to fight a speeding ticket.

Research, research, research

Police cruisers at a traffic stop | Joseph Prezioso via Getty Images

Now, you can always just hire an attorney and wash your hands of the matter. However, that doesn’t mean you should just hire the first BAR-holding attorney you find on Instagram. Do your research. Websites such as NOLO will have reviews for attorneys. It’s an industry practice to offer free consultations, so go to a few. However, there’s another parameter to consider when researching.

Learn about the law you’ve been accused of violating. How fast were you going? Were you doing anything else illegal at the time? Most importantly, does the speeding ticket match the series of events you have in your head? Read that ticket like a book, cover to cover. Finally, do some background research even if using a service such as Off The Record to ensure you’re being matched with a competent attorney.

So, you want to fight a speeding ticket

An empty courtroom, like the one you'll likely see should you fight a speeding ticket
An empty courtroom | Spencer Weiner-Pool via Getty Images

Should you decide you want to fight your speeding ticket, it is advisable to retain an attorney regardless. It may seem like a good idea to play “Suits” for an afternoon if your ticket is small enough, but fighting for yourself takes a lot of time and research, as well as a great deal of public speaking skill. Should you decide to fight the ticket yourself, make sure there isn’t anything on the line more than a few points off your license and a few hundred bucks. Never go it alone if your driver’s license is at stake.

Additionally, it’s important to remember that excuses don’t justify speeding in almost every circumstance. Unless someone in your car is in labor or dying, you’re out of luck. It’s also important to point out that you are innocent until proven guilty. If an officer doesn’t show to present the state’s case against you, you walk free. This is called moving for dismissal on lack of evidence in most courtrooms.

Sometimes fighting your ticket is worth it

A gavel on a judge's stand in a courtroom
A gavel sits on the Judge’s bench | Tom Williams via Getty Images

However, if you’ve contracted an attorney, you won’t have to worry about any of that. Depending on the severity of your violation, you’ll likely just pay your counsel once and move on. More egregious violations may require additional compensation for the time your attorney is taking to fight your speeding ticket. In some instances, it really can be worth it, especially in the context of insurance. Pay an attorney once, or pay your insurance company more per month. Finally, speak to an attorney before doing anything, they’re licensed professionals for a reason.

RELATED: The 242 MPH Koenigsegg CCR Speeding Ticket Is an Urban Legend

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Buyer’s Guide: 2010-2014 MK6 Volkswagen GTI

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Volkswagen GTI is a staple of the enthusiast market. If “Miata” isn’t the answer, “GTI” most likely is. Used models made from 2010-2014 are fully depreciated, and an excellent deal. The GTI offers great performance, fuel economy, and reliability for a bargain price. However, as with most depreciated sports cars, there are some things to watch out for. This is everything you need to know if you’re in the market for a Volkswagen GTI.

Reliability and ownership cost

The VW Golf GTI’s 2.0 liter motor | National Motor Museum via Getty Images

A sixth-generation Volkswagen GTI (or MK6) is basically a fifth-generation GTI, but better. VW improved a great deal in 2010, but the model wasn’t perfect. For one, the brand’s dual-clutch automatic transmission was still a little wonky. I personally own (a very shoddy) 2010 model, and have had the automatic stall on me. That said, stick with the stick if you can. Now, there’s also the timing chain to contend with. This part tells your engine’s cylinders to go bang and when. It too is a known weak point but was resolved for 2012.

Another big issue with these fun little cars is the rear main seal. This part is the gasket between your engine and transmission. Thankfully, you’ll know when it fails because your car will hold oil like a colander. Please, make sure it was done. Mine was $800. Finally, listen for creaks and rattles. The front subframe in Volkswagen GITs is known to creak and can be fixed with this kit.

Options and trim levels

The interior of a 2010 Volkswagen GTI
Plaid seats are a must | National Motor Museum via Getty Images

Trim levels for the Volkswagen GTI are somewhat of a misnomer. Yes, there’s the Autobahn trim, but we’ll get to that in a second. The GTI is a trim level for the standard Golf. With that said, there are options to look for. First, you’ll be wanting the bi-xenon lights, both front, and rear. They look much more sharp, and really add to the look. Also, a sunroof was available with plaid seats for the last time in the U.S. This was also one of the last generations to offer the lighter two-door configuration.

If you want a skim milk GTI, go for two doors and no sunroof. That said, the Autobahn trim got you nicer wheels, a leather interior, and the sunroof, as well as upgraded speakers. These generally command a premium, but preference is everything. Get the one you want, not the one you want to sell. If you’re looking for the recommended spec, go four doors, sunroof, with the audio package (look for the labeled speakers), and the manual transmission.

The Volkswagen GTI is a forever car

The rear end of the MK6 Volkswagen GTI
Hatchback practicality | National Motor Museum via Getty Images

That spec, to me, represents everything the Volkswagen GTI is all about. Practicality, speed, comfort, and affordability in one neat little package. Ensure the above issues have been addressed, and you can expect to find a clean low mileage model for under $17,000. You genuinely cannot go wrong with a GTI.

RELATED: These Are the Best Options for the 2022 Volkswagen GTI

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These Are the Best Options for the 2022 Volkswagen GTI

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Volkswagen’s GTI hatchback is the perennial hot hatch. Now, the new eighth-generation 2022 Volkswagen GTI is almost here. Options are plentiful, but only some are worth it. Since the dawn of time, the Volkswagen GTI has offered performance and practicality at a competitive price point. Now, it’s time to make sure the options you choose keep it at that competitive price point.

Get the most out of the hot hatch experience

The GTI logo | Dirk Waem via Getty Images

The 2022 Volkswagen GTI is nearly all-new, reusing very few parts from the last generation. Happily, some of the old aspects of the GTI that make it great remain. Power still sits right around 200 hp. The current model gets a bit of a bump, coming in at 240 hp according to VW. Happily, Volkswagen also opted to keep one of the things that makes the GTI special.

For 2022, you can still order your GTI with a six-speed manual transmission. Also available will be Volkswagen’s dual-clutch automatic transmission. The auto will offer slightly better daily drivability and fuel economy but only by a few tenths of a gallon. For a more connected experience, opt for the manual. Even better, the stick is a no-cost option.

Spec your 2022 Volkswagen GTI with practicality in mind

The all-new interior of the 2022 Volkswagen GTI
MK8 Volkswagen GTI interior | Volkswagen

Before we get into practicality, let’s talk about color for a moment. As of right now, only eight color options are available. Some will be harder to maintain than others. There’s a variety of blues, reds, whites, grays, and blacks on offer. However, the brand’s “Oryx White Mother-of-Pearl” will run you an extra $1,000 bucks or so. That isn’t the only color you’ll have to pay extra, with some of the more fun colors running anywhere from $753-$913.

Now, a big part of what makes the 2022 Volkswagen GTI so practical is its hatchback layout. Thankfully, that’s included in the price. What isn’t however, is the German brand’s dynamic chassis control. For that, you’ll need to spec the larger 19-inch “Adelaide” or “Estoril” diamond wheels at $860 or $978 each. Frankly, this is a must, as the dynamic chassis control ($931) allows you to soften the ride for the daily commute.

Don’t forget to have a little fun

The rear of the new VW GTI in Tornado Red
Hot hatch fun | Volkswagen

Finally, this brings us to optional extras. This is where your relatively cheap hot hatch can turn into a huge expense very quickly. Unfortunately, the $350 rearview camera isn’t standard. Neither is a heads-up display ($750). A leather interior will run you north of an extra $2,000 and frankly, the plaid seats are cooler. They’ll also breathe better.

I’d also recommend the optional Harmon Kardon sound system, as a nice stereo will certainly help with resale value. Europeans will be fortunate enough to option a factory dash camera, but no word on whether this will make it stateside. If it does, that’s another must-have. In total, mine came out to $46,000. Not cheap by any means, but the 2022 Volkswagen GTI can certainly be a forever car, and worth the investment.

RELATED: The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Is a Surprise Pick for Families

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Kia and Hyundai Dominate Motor Trend’s Most-Searched Cars List

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There are loads of reasons that people search for cars. Car shoppers look for information, car enthusiasts want to learn more about the latest and greatest, and some vehicles are just in the news, making people curious. Every month Motor Trend compiles a list of the most searched cars. In June, Hyundai and Kia dominated this list, taking four of ten spots.

2021 Kia Stinger | Kia

Kia and Hyundai have sort of been dominating the car market this year with their new vehicles and safety awards. It’s no surprise that people are searching for more information about their cars. Here are the ten most searched cars in the month of June.

The 2021 Kia Sorento is one of the most searched cars

People love the 2021 Kia Sorento. It’s a 3-row SUV and one of Consumer Reports’ recommended new cars for teens. It’s also an IIHS Top Safety Pick. The Sorento comes with a 191 horsepower four-cylinder engine. It’s also affordable, at $29,390.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is another highly searched car

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is an even bigger three-row SUV. It’s also a Consumer Reports recommended for teens, and it received the IIHS’ top honor, the Top Safety Pick+. The Palisade has a 3.8-liter 291 horsepower engine and is $32,675. Not bad for an ultra-safe three-row SUV.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the most searched not-trucks

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is not a truck, but it looks like a truck. It also kind of looks like an SUV that started to regenerate but got stuck halfway. Hyundai is calling it a Sport Adventure Vehicle. Whatever it is, the Santa Cruz is one of Motor Trend’s most searched vehicles. 

The Santa Cruz has a 2.5-liter, 191 horsepower engine. It comes in at about $25,000.

The Kia Telluride is Kia’s most searched large SUV

Like the Palisade, the Kia Telluride is a large three-row SUV. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick and it also won Motor Trend’s SUV of the year award. It was also the winner in a comparison test with a Toyota Highlander and Ford Explorer. 

The Telluride has a 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of 291 horsepower. It’s more expensive than the Palisade, at $50,000. 

There are other cars on Motor Trend’s most searched cars, too

But they aren’t Kias and Hyundais. The 2021 Toyota Venza is one of the most searched cars. It’s a midsize SUV with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. People were also interested in the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, a hatchback SUV that can go 182-horsepower. 

Honda makes one of Motor Trend’s most searched cars with the CR-V, a small SUV. And don’t forget the 2021 Genesis GV80, a $70,000 luxury SUV.

Ford comes in with two if its own vehicles on the most searched list. The Bronco is back for 2021, and people are excited about it. The Maverick, due out in 2022, is going to be Ford’s compact pickup truck. 

If there’s anything to be learned from this list, it’s that Hyundai and Kia seem to have figured out what people want. Their vehicles keep getting better every year, and their safety awards add to their reputation. It wouldn’t be surprising if both manufacturers have cars on this list for months to come. 

RELATED: Made In America: the Top 10 Most American Cars

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