The 2021 Mazda 3 Sedan Is the Answer to Your Chip Shortage Woes

by Gabrielle DeSantis

We’ve all heard about the chip shortage by now. However, in case you haven’t, it means that manufacturers like Mazda cannot make enough cars to meet demand. That said, it would appear Mazda is doing just fine. Rather, 2021 Mazda 3 sedan inventory is doing just fine. It turns out, you may just be able to buy a new car without issue, for sticker, during the chip shortage.

2021 Mazda 3 sedan inventory: Thine cup runneth over

The 2021 Mazda 3 sedan is a handsome thing | Mazda

RELATED: Consumer Reports: Best New Cars for Teens

Seriously, there’s like, a whole bunch of these things. Apparently, dealers have 2021 Mazda 3 sedan models coming out their ears. If you don’t believe me, have a quick look at AutoTempest. This isn’t just some remote corner of the country either. No, you can find a 2021 Mazda 3 sedan just about anywhere. First, I started with the east coast, using New York’s zip code and a 750-mile radius. I got tons of hits.

Then, I kept looking west in search of chip shortage freedom, finding yet more models in flyover states like Ohio, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. Moreover, there’s about a billion of these in Denver, with several out near the airport in case you’d like to come have a look. Again, the same story on the west coast. Inventory really is plentiful country-wide. And for sticker price. Which begs a question.

Is a 2021 Mazda 3 worth it?

The interior of the 2021 Mazda 3 sedan, awash with chrome and leather
Good looks carry over to the interior | Mazda

RELATED: Consumer Reports: Best Used Cars for the City

In a word, yes, the 2021 Mazda 3 sedan is worth it. Recently, Mazda has put quite a lot of effort into upping its game. You’ll have no trouble finding one that’s well-optioned with leather, Android Auto, and Apple Carplay. The interior really is the nicest thing coming out of Japan right now, short of some Lexus models. Then again, the Mazda 3 at least has usable infotainment.

Now, yes, there are some downsides. For starters, consumers may find the sedan’s base 155 hp lacking. However, you can have a “Turbo” model with 250 horsepower. Even better, you can get yourself a Turbo hatchback. Unfortunately, you’re still one manual gearbox short of a hot hatch. You’ll also need winter tires, but then again, you should be putting those on your SUV too, so what’s the difference? I’ve heard some minor gripes about the automatic transmission, but the 2021 Mazda 3 sedan is a commuter, a-to-b car, not a track weapon.

You don’t have to get your Mazda now before it’s gone

The new Mazda 3, which also comes in hatchback flavor, at launch
Seriously, this is all the car you need | Victor Decolongon via Getty Images

Of course, you’re also getting Japanese reliability and a vast dealer network. Moreover, a lot of these cars are still so new you’ll be getting a warranty for your $25-$35,000. Frankly, it’s hard to go wrong with the Mazda 3, especially in some warmer climates where snow isn’t much of an issue. Hell, I’d have no problem owning one in Denver. So, there you go. The answer to your chip shortage woes. A beacon amidst the dark night of inventory shortages and ravenous dealer markups and Ford Bronco flippers. Zoom zoom.

The post The 2021 Mazda 3 Sedan Is the Answer to Your Chip Shortage Woes appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

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Never Buy These Used Acura MDX Model Years if You Don’t Want to Burn a Bunch of Oil

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV built to last for more than 250,000 miles. In fact, there’s a two-year wait for the redesigned 2022 models due to unprecedented demand. But despite this three-row SUV’s popularity, you should avoid certain Acura MDX years.

That’s because many owners have experienced excessive oil consumption. The problem is not only bothersome but can also cause severe engine problems over the vehicle’s life.

Avoid these used cars that burn oil

2013 Acura MDX | STAN HONDA/AFP via Getty Images

Consumer Reports recently took a look at vehicles built within the past decade that burn oil at disproportionate rates compared to similar models.

CR says, “For the most part, manufacturers fixed or discontinued the problem engines in later model years. But there are still a lot of individual vehicles on the road that burn oil.”

Vehicles that have never been modified and are still burning too much oil include BMW models with a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine and certain General Motors four-cylinder SUVs. For example, GMC Terrain and Equinox SUVs with 2.4-liter engines now have an extended factory warranty to remedy the issue.

However, most older vehicles are out of warranty, so used car shoppers should beware of these “at-risk” cars. Frequent oil monitoring might become necessary to avoid catastrophic engine damage.

Consumer Reports calls the following vehicles “oil burners” and warns consumers to avoid these model years:

  • 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX
  • 2010 to 2012 Audi S4
  • 2010 to 2015 Audi Q5
  • 2012 to 2019 BMW M5
  • 2010 to 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain
  • 2010 to 2013 Mini Cooper
  • 2012 to 2013 Subaru Impreza
  • 2010 to 2015 Subaru Forester and Outback
  • 2010 to 2015 Subaru Legacy
  • 2010 to 2014 Subaru Tribeca
  • 2011 to 2014 Volvo XC60
  • 2011 to 2014 Volvo XC70 T6

Problems with the 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX

You should avoid Acura MDX vehicles from the 2010 to 2013 model years. Albeit a comfortable SUV with good handling, its excessive oil consumption should be a sure sign for potential buyers to steer clear.

This family-focused SUV’s second generation has been having problems with burning too much oil for years. Acura is aware of the problem and extended the warranty on more than 200,000 vehicles with the 3.7-liter V6. The warranty extension is for eight years or 125,000 miles, whichever comes first.

But 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX SUVs are now out of warranty, with more than a decade of wear and tear on the engine.

According to CarComplaints.com, Acura owners experiencing problems with oil consumption and inaccuracies with the “Maintenance Minder” filed a class-action lawsuit.

In May 2020, the owners settled with Honda, Acura’s parent company, although the automaker denies any wrongdoing. The automaker agreed to reimburse eligible owners for out-of-pocket expenses with valid documentation.

If a qualified vehicle is found to be using more than one quart of oil every 1,000 miles, Acura will pay for the cost of repairs for excessive consumption. The caveat is the vehicle must still be within the powertrain warranty period or warranty gap period.

Consumer Reports suggests this alternative to 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX models

Most drivers don’t want to deal with the cost of repairs for a 2010 to 2013 Acura MDX, especially if Honda denies the claim. 

Consumer Reports suggests a better alternative with a lot less headache involved: the 2013 Lexus RX. “A used Lexus RX in good condition should provide many miles of relatively trouble-free service,” CR says.

Priced around $17,975 to $19,225, the RX offers an equally or more comfortable ride and boasts good reliability.

Best of all, this used Lexus SUV shows no signs of excessive oil consumption.

RELATED: Acura Settles After Class-Action Lawsuit Over Expensive Oil Problem

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Watch Someone Steal a 2022 Chevy Corvette Right Out of the Dealer Showroom

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 Chevy Corvette is a hot commodity. In fact, Chevy told the world it had to stop production, just to keep up with the number of cars it had already received orders for. Clearly, the demand was strong enough for one man to take matters into his own hands. In some strange twist of Robin Hood ethics, a man attempted to take a ‘Vette for himself. It didn’t go well.

Driving a Corvette like you stole it (cuz ya did)

Someone had a case of the sticky fingers for a 2022 Chevy Corvette | Tom Kelley via Getty Images

RELATED: Is $11,000 Enough to Talk You Into Buying a 2021 Chevrolet Bolt?

First, you can watch the video here. As you can see in the video, this all goes down in a dealership showroom. Normally, having a 2022 Chevy Corvette on the floor helps bring in customers, but apparently, it also brings in thieves. In the video, it looks like this is some kind of test drive gone wrong. We can see our ambitious Grand Theft Auto artist is already in the car, apparently looking for a test drive.

However, it looks like the thief just didn’t want anyone with him. Maybe he’s worried about the virus? Either way, the sales associate realizes something is up when the doors on their brand new 2022 Chevy Corvette lock. Then, the car starts, and the thief seems to contemplate stopping before pulling out of the dealership lot. Apparently, he was later apprehended. Maybe steal a more subtle car next time, yeah?

Are 2022 Corvettes available?

A red 2022 Chevy Corvette photographed in profile
Red is maybe not the color I’d want for my stolen car; it’s a bit loud | Chevy

RELATED: Is Your Chevy Bolt Spying on You? Are Your Other Cars?

Taking people’s stuff is always a pretty morally reprehensible thing to do, but demand for the 2022 Chevy Corvette really seems to be getting there. After all, Chevy is so inundated with demand that the brand has had to stop producing the 2022 Chevy Corvette to catch up. Frankly, it’s pretty easy to see why.

Our thevious-idiotus wanted a 2022 Chevy Corvette for the same reasons everyone else does, in all likelihood. First, it’s the, well, first Corvette to go mid-engined, a long-held goal of creator Zora Arkus-Duntov. Of course, there’s also the totally redesigned architecture, excellent Mag-Ride suspension, and 500 hp. That’s a lot to say no to when the keys are in your hands, be you buyer or thief (but seriously, don’t steal).

The 2022 Chevy Corvette is a world-beater

The new 'Vette on a twisty mountain road
It’s hard to argue with mid-engined design | Chevy

As a result, the new 2022 Chevy Corvette is a world-beating Corvette the likes of which we haven’t seen since the C6 Z06. I struggle to think of another ‘Vette that sticks in my mind more than these two models, albeit for very different reasons. Clearly, our thief thought the same. Unfortunately, there’s no word yet on whether any charges have been levied, but with an MSRP of $61,000, it’s hard to imagine there won’t be.

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There’s a 1 in 5 Chance You’ll Get Your Car Back if it’s Stolen

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Have you ever had your car stolen? If you have, were you able to locate and recover it? Some studies are coming out now offering new insights into the unfortunate situations regarding stolen cars and recovery. It seems vehicle theft continues to be a problem. And current analytics suggest there’s a one in five chance you’ll recover your car after it’s been taken. 

Some of the data regarding stolen cars and stolen car recovery

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is offering reports already indicating car thefts are up in 2021, reversing a two-year decline. In actual numbers, that’s roughly 73,000 more stolen cars. In Washington D.C. alone, roughly 50 cars are reported stolen every day. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), around $6.4 billion was lost entirely to motor vehicle theft in 2019 overall. Getting the car back after it’s been taken is an entirely different set of dynamics that you might find startling. 

Since it’s hard to predict how a thief might think, it’s hard to say if they plan to keep your stolen car. Based on other stats provided by the Recovery Network, the most important factor that leads to recovery is where the vehicle is found. 

There’s a 20% chance your vehicle was stolen only for a joyride, offering a 12% chance your car comes back unharmed. Data suggests 30% of stolen cars end up being used in other crimes, including parted out for cash at area chop shops.

The stolen car in question is 50% likely to end up on the black market in rare, classic, or exotic car scenarios. Statista reported that for 2019, the recovery rate was roughly 56.1%. However, overall, there is a one in five likelihood that you’ll get your car back, which seems pretty low.

Why do the stolen car recovery rates seem so low?

About 1/3 of stolen vehicles ever recovered come back to their owners with $1,000 worth of damage. One in three is estimated to come back beyond repair altogether. So, why do these recovery rates seem so low? Is it possible vehicle owners are quick to process insurance claims and move on without pursuing recovery beyond a certain time? Are there bad-apple car owners out there making a profit on their insurance claims? It’s hard to say.

There are reasons to support higher rates of vehicle returns, including the existence of state and national databases law enforcement use, making it harder to “hide” or sell a vehicle that has been stolen. And there are incredible tales of stolen cars finding their ways back to their original owners, sometimes decades later.

How long before it is actually found and returned?

On average, law enforcement can typically find a stolen car with 48 hours of reporting it stolen. But some cars take much, much longer to make their way back to their owners’ garages. One such story featured a stolen Ferrari 308 GTS supercar that, in a crazy turn of events, ended up on consignment after a trip to Poland and returning to its owner some 30 years later. It’s a stolen car recovery tale that doesn’t represent the norm, but it certainly offers some hope to those still missing their beloved cars.

Your first line of defense to recovering your stolen car is to try and avoid theft in the first place. There are great anti-theft devices on today’s vehicles that might help, but basic steps like closing the garage door at night, keeping your vehicle doors locked at all times, and parking in secure areas whenever possible will help reduce the risks.

RELATED: 1 Man’s Stolen Camaro Was Finally Found After 33 Years

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