The Tesla Model Y Is On a Price Roller Coaster, and It’s Making People Dizzy

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Tesla is raising the price of the Model Y, and it isn’t the first time. Tesla has been putting their cars on a roller coaster of price changes, and it’s getting hard to keep up. Let’s take a look at why Tesla has been adjusting their prices, and what this latest increase means for the Model Y.

2021 Tesla Model Y | Tesla

The cost of the Tesla Model Y is up

Electrek reports that Tesla is raising the price of the Model Y by $500. This may not seem like a lot, but it isn’t the first increase on the Model Y in the last few months. While you could have bought a Tesla Model Y for a mere $50,000 a few months ago, now that same car will cost you $52,990. If you’ve been saving your pennies to own your own Tesla, that’s a lot of pennies.

To make things even more complicated for Tesla shoppers, the price changes have been happening in conjunction with a whole bunch of other Tesla news. They’ve released the Tesla Model S Plaid. They’ve decided not to release the Model S Plaid Plus. Their steering wheels are weird. They’ve built the longest Supercharger route in the world, spanning 3,100 miles across China. 

Am I forgetting anything? Oh yes: the newly revealed Tesla Supercomputer is the fifth most powerful computer in the world, and its purpose is to power the semi-autonomous driving system known as Autopilot. 

It’s dizzying, honestly. 

The cost of various Teslas has been going up…

…and then they’ve been coming back down. Oh, and then they’ve been going up again. Make up your mind, Elon Musk. 

Beginning in February, the Model 3 and Model Ys have gone through several price changes. Some of the cheaper models have increased $500 at a time. These have been done without much fanfare, and although the Tesla community is very vocal about the day-to-day dealings of Tesla, these changes didn’t elicit the same response as those to the Model S Plaid Plus. 

The price of the Tesla Model S Plaid Plus was raised $10,000, and there were a lot of questions about what the price hike was for. Ultimately, it didn’t matter, as Tesla suddenly pulled the literal plug on the Plaid Plus. 

Elon Musk has a perfectly reasonable explanation for why the Tesla Model Y is getting more expensive

Really, he does. Sure, it’s sort of vague, but it’s also justifiable. When someone on Twitter complained about the rising costs of Teslas, Elon Musk responded by saying, “Prices increasing due to major supply chain price pressure industry-wide. Raw materials especially.”

It’s not a super clear answer. Which raw materials? Will costs go back down when supply chain problems are worked out? Yet with car manufacturers raising prices, and even used cars costing as much as a first-born child, perhaps it isn’t surprising that Tesla is also passing these increasing costs onto its customers. 

If you’ve been procrastinating on buying a Model Y, you may want to do it before prices go up again. Or maybe you should wait until they lower prices again. It could be next week. Then again, they might go up again. Perhaps there’s no way to know when the perfect time to buy a Tesla is. 

RELATED: Tesla AI Day Is Coming

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How to Bid and Buy Smart at Online Car Auctions

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Online car auctions are becoming an increasingly popular avenue for car buying. Additionally, it’s possible to get yourself a deal online with some research and a level head. The global pandemic pushed them into the limelight, and now auction sites like Cars & Bids and Bring-a-Trailer are enjoying unprecedented levels of success. In light of their increase in popularity, it’s time to learn how to bid smart, buy smart, and find yourself a deal in the brave new world of online car auctions.

Online car auctions can be a great way to get a deal

Cars and Bids is one of many online auction sites | Cars & Bids

There are deals to be had online if you know what to look for. The benefits of sites like the ones discussed above are many. First, sites like these exist in their own little corner of the auto market. They are, in some cases, unaffected by market trends. Dealer markups are just one example. Another is that each vehicle has its own little “hemisphere” where the value of the car is determined solely by what people like you are willing to pay for it.

Speaking of dealerships, another little-discussed benefit is who you’re interacting with. Private parties and your interactions with them are moderated by the sites. This helps in discouraging shifty behavior. Moreover, the nature of these sites circumvents the pitfalls of a more traditional dealership expense. Speaking from experience, interactions are more conversational and pleasant than ones had on a lot at a dealerhsip.

Read the vehicle service history report

Online car auction sites are growing in popularity outside the U.S. as shown by CarPrice, a site in Russia
Russian auction site CarPrice | Anton Novoderezhkin via Getty Images

Now, it’s time to talk about actually buying the car you want. First, it’s best to do a little light research. What are the common issues on the car? Have they been taken care of, and is there proof are all important questions to ask the seller. As a general rule of thumb, assume something hasn’t been done to the vehicle unless you have seen the receipt for it.

With regard to bidding, it is important to know that most auction sites will take a percentage of the purchase price as a fee. For example, the buyer’s fee on Cars & Bids is 4.5%. This is on the lower end, so be prepared for up to 6%. Some sites like Cars & Bids will also place a hold on your credit card to be put towards the purchase of the vehicle should you win. Finally, there’s the actual act of bidding.

Don’t get emotional!

The online car autction site Bring-a-Trailer showcases listings for many different makes and models
Bring-a-Trailer is arguably the most well-known online car auction site | Bring-a-Trailer

Rule number one is simple. Do NOT, under any circumstances allow your bid to be influenced by your desire to own the vehicle. This can lead to you ending up holding the bag on a vehicle you later have regrets about. This is certainly the largest pitfall of buying online. Again, speaking from experience, this is a very easy thing to do.

Use your best judgment and know when you get caught in a bidding war. If you do, walk away. Fish in the sea and all that. It can also be helpful to watch a few auctions end to see how and when people bid. Bearing these tips and tricks in mind, you should have no trouble at all finding a great vehicle for yourself online. Happy bidding.

RELATED: Take Advantage of Used Market Craziness by Selling Your Yellow Car

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Is the 2022 Kia Telluride Overpriced?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Information about the 2022 Kia Telluride was recently released, and it includes a slightly higher price tag. This made us wonder how much value is included with the Kia Telluride to determine its overpriced. 

Is the 2022 Kia Telluride worth buying? 

2022 Kia Telluride | Kia

Yes, the 2022 Kia Telluride is an excellent three-row SUV to consider for daily commutes and family trips. The Telluride has been racking up awards since its debut in 2020, and it’s only getting better. 

For 2022, the Telluride is gaining the new Kia logo, a slightly refreshed grille design, a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system display, automatic temperature control, and highway driving assist. 

According to Motor Trend, the base LX trim started at $33,415 in 2021. Now the 2022 model starts at about $34,015. This is about a $600 increase for the slightly new look and extra tech. 

Let’s see how this price compares to rivals:

  • The 2021 Chevy Traverse starts around $29,800. 
  • The 2021 Subaru Ascent begins at about $32,295. 
  • The 2021 Hyundai Palisade starts at around $32,675. 

So, the new Kia Telluride has a slightly higher starting price than rivals, but features like the larger screen and more standard driving aids might make the increased price worth it. 

How does the Telluride perform?  

The 2022 Kia Telluride has a 3.8-liter V6 that pumps out 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. According to Edmunds, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, which is average for its class. 

When properly equipped, the Telluride can tow up to 5,000 lbs. This is enough power to tow smaller campers. You may want to also consider adding all-wheel-drive for $1,900. AWD is only available on the top two trim levels. 

The Telluride can exhibit a bit of a rough ride over uneven pavement. However, you can opt for the self-leveling rear air suspension to smooth things out. Plus, the Telluride has responsive steering, confident brakes, and limited body roll. 

You could say the Telluride is a little thirsty. It gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway. It has a fuel economy that’s on par with the Volkswagen Atlas and slightly lower than the Honda Pilot. 

Is the 2022 Telluride comfortable? 

An image of a 2022 Kia Telluride interior
2022 Kia Telluride interior | Kia

Yes, the 2022 Kia Telluride is very comfortable. The seats are supportive and nicely contoured, and the cabin is luxury-car-quiet. The climate control system is easy to use and works well, but the heated and ventilated seats could be stronger. 

There is more than enough space for adults in all three rows. There are 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row with up to 87 cubes total. You can store items in the underfloor cargo compartment, and the hatch opening is wide, making it easy to load cargo. 

Standard safety features include forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. You can opt for automatic high beams and a 360-degree camera system. 

So, we’re going to say no. The Kia Telluride is not overpriced. It includes tons of standard tech, safety features, and power. Adding AWD and the towing package is where things get a little pricey, but overall it provides an excellent value.

RELATED: Consumer Reports Calls the Kia Telluride the Worst New Car Deal

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What Size ATV Should You Get for Your Kid?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

All-terrain vehicles are great for adventures through the woods and on trails. Some are even designed for work on farms. Though ATVs can be fun, they can also be dangerous. Four-wheelers can be more hazardous to kids than adults, but with the right equipment, you can keep your children safe as they ride their very own machine.

Here are some guidelines you should keep in mind when choosing an ATV for kids and other beginners. 

When is a child ready to use an ATV?

A good rule of thumb is not to let children under 6 operate an ATV, Penn State Extension reports. Though some children aged 6 to 10 can handle a smaller unit, not everyone is ready at such a young age. Physical and emotional development are important traits that kids should have before they can drive a four-wheeler. 

The first thing to look for is height. If your child can stand with both feet on the ATV’s footrests and their bottom at least three inches above the seat, they might be good to ride. Also, check to see if they can stand while turning the wheels to the right and left (while the vehicle is turned off) with no problems. If so, they should be ready physically. 

Their emotional development would include how disciplined they are. If your child has proven they can follow the rules without giving you too much grief, they should be OK with learning how to operate an ATV. For those who are apt to get into trouble and push the envelope, they probably should wait.

What ATV models should you consider for your kid?

A few models are good for kids aged 6 to 11. At this age, they should drive an ATV with an engine size that’s less than 70cc. For kids in the 12-to-15-year range, they should operate four-wheelers with motors ranging from 70cc to 90cc. Sixteen-year-olds can ride adult-sized units around 90cc or up, Dirt Wheels Magazine reports. 

One of the best models for 6-to-11-year-olds is Apex Pro MXR. It comes in several engine sizes ranging from 49cc to 99cc. Weighing 248 pounds, this model has a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a 1.5-gallon fuel tank, and 5.3 inches of ground clearance. Expect to pay around $4,200. 

For kids aged 12 to 15, one model stands out — the Can-Am DS. This 250-pound ATV offers a 70cc or a 90cc displacement engine. It also comes with an electric start, a CVT with reverse, 1.6-gallon fuel capacity, and 4.5-inch ground clearance. Prices average around $2,349 for the 70cc and $2,849 for the 90cc. 

For 16-year-olds and up, there’s the Polaris Outlaw 110, packing a 112cc motor. It has a CVT with reverse, 1.6-gallon fuel capacity, 4.0-inch ground clearance, and a wet weight of 278 pounds. This model costs around $4,000. 

Safety guidelines for 4-wheelers

Whether you’re a kid or an adult, following safety guidelines will keep you safe on an ATV. This is especially true for children because they’re smaller and haven’t developed good evaluating skills yet. 

It’s good practice to dress safely whenever you ride an ATV. That includes full face-shield helmets, long-sleeve shirts and pants, gloves, and over-the-ankle shoes or boots. Be sure none of the clothing is loose to prevent garments from getting snagged in the ATV’s wheels or other parts. 

Additional rules to keep in mind include adding lights, reflectors, and possibly even flags on smaller units to increase visibility so that others are aware of its presence. You should also discourage your children from giving rides to others on ATVs. That’s because these vehicles are built for one person only. 

Keeping kids safe on ATVs doesn’t have to be difficult. Most can safely operate one with the right equipment, such as a helmet and a smaller vehicle. Teach them how to operate one safely — or ensure they take a training course — and they can ride along with you on your next trail adventure.

RELATED: Polaris and This Popular Baby Brand Make ATVs for Kids 

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