3 Used Tesla Models Consumer Reports Gave the ‘Never Buy’ Label

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Never say never, except when it comes to these Tesla vehicles. Consumer Reports says that some years of the Model S, Model X, and Model Y are worth avoiding buying used. What faults do these electric vehicles have and why does Consumer Reports suggest avoiding these years of the Tesla Model S, Model X, and Model Y?

Consumer Reports says to avoid the 2019-2020 Tesla Model S

Consumer Reports suggests avoiding the Tesla Model S electric vehicle | VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Starting the list of used vehicles to avoid is the Model S. Consumer Reports gave the 2019 – 2020 Tesla Model S a reliability score of one out of five. In certain areas, the Tesla electric vehicle did fine. Consumer Reports liked the green nature of the EV and the two trunks.

The list of highs and lows Consumer Reports compiled says a lot when it came down to it. The Model S doesn’t consume gasoline, has no tailpipe emissions, and offers a quiet cabin. The Model S is fast, agile, and gets to use the Tesla Supercharging stations.

The range for the 2020 Model S is still pretty short compared to a gas-powered car. The charging times are fairly long, and longer trips require a bit of extra planning. If you live in an area with extreme weather, this can impact the range. But the 2019 – 2020 year of the Model S is probably best to avoid.

Consumer Reports also suggests avoiding the 2017, 2019 Tesla Model X

For the 2017 and 2019 Tesla Model X, Consumer Reports had similar feelings. It received a low reliability score, but the owner’s satisfaction score was a four out of five. There were a variety of owner-related complaints lodged about the body integrity, brakes, and drive systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2017 Model X five-star safety ratings. Additionally, many safety features were included standard.

The 2017 Tesla Model X has three open recalls. The first is related to the rearview camera and exterior lighting. The EMMC controller can wear out and cause visibility issues, increasing the likelihood of a crash. The second recall is for the seats moving forward during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. For the final recall, there is an issue with the parking brake. It has the potential to break loose, which could send the vehicle rolling.

The highs are the same as the Model S above, except the 2017 and 2019 Model X vehicles charge faster. Also, this was one of the first electric vehicle SUVs, which makes it pretty cool!

A new addition to the list is the 2020 Tesla Model Y

For the 2020 Model Y, Consumer Reports found the Tesla had a one out of five reliability score. However, the owner satisfaction score was a five out of five. The acceleration was solid, the range was good, the braking and seat comfort all scored well. But that’s where the positives end.

Consumer reports noted that the first year of the Tesla Model Y needed work. The ride, controls, and limited range held it back. It suffered from long charging times, and the lack of blind-spot warning was a detriment. Owners took issue with the tailgate not closing or opening properly. There were also complaints about the body panels not lining up.

On top of those issues, there are five recalls for the Model Y. The first recall noted by the NHTSA was for the Model Y concerning the seat belts. The recall notice says that certain 2018-2020 models might not have the front seatbelt properly attached to the b-pillar. There is a second recall for the seat belts again, and the third recall is for loose brake caliper bolts. A recall from 2020 is noted for a detached upper control arm issue. The fifth and final recall is for exterior trailer brake lights not illuminating properly.

So while some of these electric vehicles might seem tempting, Consumer Reports suggests avoiding these used Tesla vehicles. However, the 2021 models might have improved on some of these issues, especially the short-range problems. Things like the range and charging time will likely continue to improve as batteries start to get better.

RELATED: Recall Alert: Over 5,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Cars Recalled

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The Best Used Trucks Under $25,000 According to U.S. News

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s no denying that buying a new pickup truck can make for a costly purchase. While some new trucks cost under $30,000, most new trucks will have you spending significantly more than that. For many pickup shoppers, that makes buying a used truck a compelling option. But how do you choose the best used truck? And what if you’re shopping for the best used trucks under $25,000? 

The Chevy Silverado is one of the best used trucks under $25,000

2016 Chevrolet Silverado | Chevrolet

There’s a lot to like about the Chevy Silverado, especially if you’re in the market for a used truck under $25,000. In fact, according to U.S. News, the 2012, 2014, and 2016 Chevy Silverado make up some of the best used trucks under $25,000. U.S. News gave each model year an 8.9 overall score, which is nothing short of impressive. 

But ratings aren’t all you should consider when it comes to shopping for a used Chevy Silverado. Chances are, you want to know how much this used truck can tow too. The good news is that the 2012 Chevy Silverado is rated to tow up to 9,800 pounds. Meanwhile, both the 2014 and the 2016 Chevy Silverado boast a 12,000 pound max trailering rating.

“The 2016 Chevy Silverado is a great option if you’re shopping for a used full-size pickup truck. It has the robust towing and payload needed for a work truck, while providing a premium interior and smooth ride that make it a comfortable truck for day-to-day driving.”

U.S. News

Consider the GMC Sierra if you’re shopping for a used truck on a budget

Perhaps the Chevy Silverado isn’t the right truck for satisfying your needs. The good news is that the Silverado isn’t the only pickup U.S. News highlighted as one of the best used trucks under $25,000. As a matter of fact, the GMC Sierra also found itself on U.S. News’ list of the best used trucks under $25,000. For the best used GMC Sierra, U.S. News suggests taking a gander at a 2010, 2011, or 2012 GMC Sierra.

U.S. News gave the 2010 GMC Sierra a 9.1 overall score. The organization lauded the used truck for its capable engines and smooth ride. U.S. News added that its reviewers also liked the GMC Sierra’s cab, adding that it “has good fit and finish.” The truck’s front seats are comfortable and supportive too. And when it comes to towing? The 2010 GMC Sierra can manage up to 10,700 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2011 GMC Sierra, on the other hand, earned itself a 9.0 overall score. While U.S. News reports that the 2011 model’s base engine is fairly unappealing, its available V8 offers up plenty of power and will have the Sierra towing up to 10,700 pounds. As for the 2012 GMC Sierra? U.S. News gave it an 8.9 overall score. 

The 2009 Ford F-150 is one of the best used trucks under $25,000

A red 2009 Ford F-150, an affordable used pickup under $25,000
2009 Ford F-150 | Bryan Mitchell/Getty Images

Say you would prefer to buy a used Ford F-150 instead. The good news is that the 2009 Ford F-150 found itself on U.S. News’ list of the best used trucks under $25,000. U.S. News gave it an 8.9 overall score, adding that the 2009 Ford F-150 is a “reviewer favorite among full-size pickups for its strong engines, refined interior, great safety scores and one of the highest towing capacities in the class.”

In fact, according to U.S. News, while the used F-150’s 5.4-liter V8 doesn’t make the truck feel as quick as some of its rivals, it provides more than enough power for driving with or without a load in the truck’s bed. It will even have you towing up to 11,300 pounds, which U.S. News reports is one of the highest towing capacities in its class.

The 2009 Ford F-150 received high marks for its interior too. According to U.S. News, its reviewers found that the used truck’s front seats are comfortable and supportive. The 2009 Ford F-150 offers no shortage of features too. In fact, available features include power windows, locks and mirrors, a CD stereo with an auxiliary input jack, Ford’s SYNC system, Bluetooth, leather-trimmed seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and navigation.

U.S. News calls the 2013 Ram 1500 the best used truck under $25,000

A grey 2013 Ram 1500 at an auto show
2013 Ram 1500 | Andrew Burton/Getty Images

Last but certainly not least is the 2013 Ram 1500, which U.S. News tapped as the best used truck under $25,000. U.S. News gave the 2013 Ram 1500 an impressive 9.2 overall score. The organization also gave it an 8.8 performance rating, an 8.5 interior rating, and an 8.8 total cost of ownership rating. According to U.S. News, the 2013 Ram 1500 also earned itself a five out of five reliability rating.

As for what’s under the hood? U.S. News reports the used Ram 1500 benefitted from a new V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. Its test drivers were impressed with the engine’s “peppy acceleration.” Also available are two V8 engines that reviewers said make the Ram 1500 “feel very powerful.” And when it comes to towing, when properly equipped, the 2013 Ram 1500 boasts a maximum towing capacity of 10,450 pounds.

The interior of the 2013 Ram 1500 left U.S. News’ reviewers impressed too. It’s “attractively styled and built with first-rate materials.” While its front seats are comfortable, its rear seats are also very spacious. The used Ram 1500 can be had with a slew of compelling features, too, including a 10-speaker audio system, navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. It’s no wonder the 2013 Ram 1500 found itself in the top spot on U.S. News’ list of the best used trucks under $25,000.

Choosing the best used truck for you is going to take a test drive

If you’re shopping for an affordable used truck under $25,000, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. But when it comes to choosing the best used truck for you? Well, that’s going to take a few test drives.

RELATED: Study: Can the Ram 1500 Last As Long as the Average Pickup?

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Watch: Complete Idiot Trashes Mercedes AMG C63 Drifting for Dweebs

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Watch this vid and count the ways these dweebs are complete idiots. The drifter is an amateur because professional drifting would never do this without protection for the observers. So naturally being amateurs, things happen. Mostly bad. We are glad to say nobody got hurt in this mess. But the Mercedes C63 got doinked. It could have been worse.

Mind-numbing stupidity

Drifting idiots | YouTube

We kept waiting for this dope to drift into the unprotected crowds and see bodies fly. Thankfully that didn’t happen. You can see Mustangs leaving events for that action if you’re so inclined. 

Instead, we watch as Dopey burns off left rear tires without too much damage. Yes, tires. He brought spares because after shredding one he’s back out spinning the second set. But not for long. 

This was bad-It could have been worse

Drifting idiots with lots of people
Drifting idiots | YouTube

If you’re going to do this you should do it at sanctioned drifting setups. Learning and/or practicing in parking lots is dangerous on different levels depending on if your antics draw a crowd. And for the sake of your equipment, don’t drift on bad surfaces. If you have to, stay away from potholes and big cracks in the pavement. 

All of these tips make sense to drivers with functioning brains. The ones who don’t do what this Mercedes driver ends up doing. And what the passengers do; which is hanging out the windows like hung laundry. It’s a stupid look and dumb idea. A dumb idea in a litany of dumb ideas on view for you to digest. 

Watch lots of money go down the drain

Drifting stupidity with people watching
Drifting idiots | YouTube

As for the Mercedes, if you blow a tire you can expect for it to take your bumper cover as it shreds. Watch for yourself. Now, if you want to see a pile of money burned in a pyre of stupidity, notice the final actions causing the drifting scene to end. The fun is over and the spending to fix it all is just beginning. 

In all, we counted so many stupid decisions in this vid we couldn’t keep track. Everyone you see in this mess is lucky things didn’t escalate into calamity. Hopefully, we can all learn from this group’s combined bad decisions.

RELATED: This Is Why Drifters Still Love the Nissan Silvia

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Toyota Is the #1 Donor to 2020 Election Objectors in Congress

by Gabrielle DeSantis

From resisting ‘right to repair’ laws to flip-flopping over emissions regulations, automakers are no strangers to politics. And that includes Toyota. However, the latest news concerning the automaker isn’t about emissions standards. It’s about the donations made by the Toyota political action committee to Congressional representatives who objected to the 2020 election results.

The Toyota PAC gave the most to individual members of Congress who objected to the 2020 election results

The sign outside the Toyota San Francisco regional headquarters | Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

The January 6th riots in Washington, DC, were partially fueled by conspiracies over the 2020 presidential election results. And in their wake, many corporations began reviewing their political donations, Bloomberg explains. Several automakers–GM, Ford, and Toyota–were among them, Popular Information reports.

Like other corporations on PI’s list, these three had given money through PACs. Some of that money went to Congressional representatives who objected to certifying the 2020 election. And based on a report from the non-profit Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, it appears that Toyota hasn’t stopped its donations to election objectors.

According to CREW’s data, the Toyota PAC is the biggest donor to individual 2020 election objectors in Congress, Axios says. Since January 6th, the automaker donated $55,000 to 37 of the 147 members of Congress who objected to the 2020 election results.

To be fair, Koch Industries and Walmart both gave more money in total. And Toyota isn’t the only automaker included on CREW’s donation report. The report indicates that GM’s PAC donated $15,000 to a Republican party committee that supports the objectors. Ford, though, isn’t on the list.

However, in the case of Koch Industries and Walmart, both corporations also gave money to the objector-supporting party committees. Their donations to individual members of Congress are smaller than Toyota’s donations. And GM only donated money to the committee, not specific Congressional objectors.

How has Toyota responded to this donation report?

To be clear, Toyota didn’t violate any laws by making these donations. And Bloomberg notes that the automaker also gave money to Democrats and Republicans who supported Trump’s impeachment.

However, this situation isn’t like a minor Clean Air Act violation. To quote MotorTrend, it’s “a political storm…essentially pitting verifiable reality against the verifiably inaccurate stance of a major political party.” Whatever your political ideology, the truth is that President Biden legitimately won the 2020 presidential election. Yes, corporations make political donations, but there was more at stake on January 6th, the Los Angeles Times notes.

Since Axios reported on CREW’s data, Toyota has released an official statement:

“We do not believe it is appropriate to judge members of Congress solely based on their votes on the electoral certification. Based on our thorough review, we decided against giving to some members who, through their statements and actions, undermine the legitimacy of our elections and institutions.”

Toyota

In a reply to MT, a Toyota spokesperson said that the automaker “didn’t have anything to add to that statement.” But the LA Times received a response that said, “‘Toyota supports candidates based on their position on issues that are important to the auto industry and the company.'”

So, what happens now?

Again, the donations Toyota made weren’t against the law. The automaker hasn’t cheated on emissions or embezzled funds or something like that. It didn’t break any laws, so there are no legal consequences. And Toyota isn’t the only corporation that made donations to 2020 election objectors.

However, that doesn’t mean these corporations won’t face PR backlash. Nor does it mean that the voting public won’t want to prevent these types of situations from happening again. If that last statement includes you, contact your local representative.

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RELATED: Porsche Lawsuit: Is It Lying About Emissions And Mileage?

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