Was The Amazon Echo Auto Prime Day’s Biggest Steal?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ah, Prime Day, the perfect day to load up on all the technology most people probably wouldn’t have bothered to purchase on any other day. That being said, Prime Day does offer some exciting deals from time to time. This year’s Prime Day may have come and gone, but the relief or regret of passing up on some of Amazon’s big discounts could last for much longer. So, what is the company’s newest auto accessory, the Amazon Echo Auto, and was it the best deal of Prime Day?

A shopaholic’s perfect day

Amazon Warehouse | Nathan Stirk via Getty Images

Prime Day is about as close to a national or even global holiday that a sale day can come because of how ubiquitous Amazon has become. The company now delivers food and medicine on top of the infinite list of products it offers. Amazon’s appeal has always been its pricing, variety, and speed of delivery.

Amazon Prime is the brand’s unique rewards/perks subscription service. Being a Prime member comes with benefits like free two-day, one-day, and even same-day delivery depending on the product and area it is shipping from. The subscription also includes Amazon’s video streaming service Prime Video, which offers Amazon exclusive films and shows. Then, there are the savings that come with being a member.

Prime Day is the ultimate savings day for Prime members. It’s the day most members get an offer they can’t refuse. Having enough willpower to deny the tech deals and various knick-knacks is a commendable rarity. The brand has found a way to make Prime Day even more addicting and popular by offering deals on its original products.

Noteworthy Amazon original products include the Kindle e-reader, Fire tablet, and Fire stick streaming device. The company’s most recent hit-product is the Amazon Echo, a personal assistant device that includes many smart features designed around making the lives of consumers easier (and more reliant on Amazon).

Amazon’s newest auto accessory

The Amazon Echo Auto.
The Amazon Echo Auto | Amazon

The Amazon Echo has been heavily marketed toward consumers, and it has caught on. Owners use the device to help keep organized and control smart devices through voice. The Echo Auto offers the same experience but brings that organization and convenience to your car. It isn’t Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but it comes with its own quirky features.

The auto accessory uses the Alexa app to connect users to Alexa from inside their vehicle. Drivers can then use Alexa’s voice control to make calls, set reminders, play music, and check the news, all while driving. Auto Mode turns smartphones into a display for the Echo Auto and reveals helpful easy-touch shortcut features.

Deal or no deal?

The Amazon Echo Auto.
The Amazon Echo Auto | Amazon

The device will usually run consumers $49.99, but Prime Day is a magical day. According to The Drive, this year, Prime members were able to snag an Echo Auto for just $15. A 70% discount is pretty steep, even for Prime Day. The discount also captures the essence of the Echo Auto. It’s not essential, it is an affordable accessory that could be fun to have, and its low price perfectly represents that.

Knowing that Amazon still profits after such a steep discount does devalue the Echo Auto, but it also brings much-needed attention to the accessory. Its ideal target audience is folks with older vehicles that don’t incorporate the tech that the Echo Auto features. Drivers that have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay could care less about the accessory. Another huge pitfall is its limited compatibility.

The Amazon Echo Auto can bring some older automobiles into the future with Alexa or satisfy fans of the personal assistant that want an Echo around 24/7. The company’s new auto accessory could be the biggest steal for grandma, grandpa, and Alexa-lovers, but this huge discount was one most average consumers could afford to miss. Hopefully, next Prime day brings some more memorable tech deals.

RELATED: Amazon Can Now Install Your Electric Vehicle Charger

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How to Spec Your 2021 Buick Encore GX Entry-Level Luxury SUV

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying an entry-level luxury SUV can be a great way to get all of the features and qualities you want from a seemingly more expensive vehicle without breaking through your budget. SUV options like the 2021 Buick Encore GX sit on the cusp of average and luxury, but the price is surprisingly low. It’s far from the most popular SUV in its price range, too, where most people prefer the common options from Nissan and Toyota. Because of that, the 2021 Buick Encore GX stands out from the crowd, and if you’re interested in getting the best value out of it, here are the best ways to spec one out, according to Edmunds.

How much does the 2021 Buick Encore GX cost?

The Buick Encore GX | Raymond Boyd, Getty Images

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has a very friendly entry-level MSRP of $26,260, and while it isn’t exactly the cheapest brand new SUV you can buy, it does well to compete with its lower price. The value of the vehicle doesn’t increase dramatically as you go up in trim levels or even add options, making it reasonable to go for a higher trim level than the base model. If you want to compare each trim level by price, you won’t be disappointed:

  • Buick Encore GX Preferred: $26,260
  • Buick Encore GX Select: $28,600
  • Buick Encore GX Essence: $33,135

With only three trim levels to pick from, it might seem easy to balance all of the differences to decide which one is really worth the money. When it comes to the overall picture, Edmunds rated the 2021 Buick Encore GX pretty highly regardless of what trim level you choose by looking at the vehicle overall. But, the reviewers did have a favorite trim level option, and it wouldn’t hurt to add on some optional packages, either.

Overall the 2021 Buick Encore GX has a lot of positive aspects to it regardless of what trim levels or packages you choose. It’s modern styling outside hints at the upscale interior that works to make the car feel like a true entry-level luxury SUV. Besides appearances, it offers a responsive and surprisingly sharp driving and handling experience while still remaining comfortable and collected. But, when it comes down to it, you can only pick one trim level (well, unless you are buying two or three SUVs) and according to Edmunds, the best trim level to buy is the mid-tier Select option.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX Select trim offers all of the driving aids and standard safety features of the base model, along with a few luxury options that you would expect from higher-end luxury vehicles. This includes the cold-weather comfort package, which offers a remote start, adjustable driver’s seat, and heated seats. You can also expect roof rails for extra cargo and storage, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear armrest, and the addition of even more driving aids like rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring.

Additional packages and options worth considering

For the 2021 Buick Encore GX Select, there are two packages available that might spark your interest, though they will increase the price slightly, of course. Of all of the options, you can’t go wrong with the hands-free liftgate, which makes loading groceries and cargo so much more comfortable. You can also opt for the Sport Touring package on this trim level as well.

The upgrade to the Advanced Technology package is perfect for buyers who want something tech-savvy and full of modern-day features. With this package, you get useful features such as a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and navigation.

The 2021 Buick Encore GX has several trim levels, options, and packages to choose from, and you may not know what you want or can get until you check them all out. When it comes down to purchasing a new vehicle, most buyers have a general idea of what features and options they are looking for, but also want to balance them with cost to make sure they are getting the best value that they can, and with the mid-level Encore GX and optional packages, you can get everything you’re looking for without breaking the bank.

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The Aging Chevy Colorado Is Finally Being Redesigned

by Gabrielle DeSantis

It’s a little surprising that the Chevrolet Colorado is up for a redesign already. It still looks great. However, the third generation was introduced way back in 2015. That’s why the 2023 Chevy Colorado will be totally redesigned. 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado is getting incredible upgrades 

2023 Chevy Colorado rendering | AutoBison

According to Motor Authority, the 2023 Chevy Colorado has been spotted for the first time. However, the truck is heavily camouflaged in the photos. Also, it’s about time this truck got a makeover. The Chevrolet Colorado is currently competing against newer versions of the Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier. 

It looks like the new Colorado has slim headlights that are similar to the options found on the Silverado. It has sharper lines for a more defined shape, too, especially around the front fenders. 

It’s safe to expect new LED headlights and taillights with revised bumpers. Also, from the photos, you might be able to see the indents of a CornerStep rear bumper and a single-exit side exhaust tip on the passenger side. 

What to expect with the 2023 Colorado 

The 2023 Chevy Colorado may use an updated version of the current model’s 31XX platform. However, it looks like the truck is getting a little larger in size. The spy shots probably show a crew cab with a short bed, but a single cab variant and long bed options could be available. 

Rumors suggest that the Colorado could gain the Sierra’s 2.7-liter inline-four engine with 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. With this engine, the GMC Sierra can tow up to 9,100 lbs. However, it’s unclear if the Colorado will gain more muscle. The current model can already tow up to 7,700 lbs, which is more than rivals. 

The 2023 Colorado might gain an electric battery platform too. A V6 hybrid option may appear before an EV variant arrives. The current powertrain options could be carried over as well, giving us hope for the diesel inline-four. 

Plus, it could adopt General Motors’ new Global B electric architecture, which is known as the Vehicle Intelligence Platform (VIP). It allows over-the-air (OTA) updates to all vehicle components and allows for the latest infotainment and active safety tech. 

What will the 2023 Colorado interior be like? 

It’s hard to say what the 2023 Chevy Colorado interior will be like at the moment. Chevrolet is still keeping things under wraps. However, it’s safe to expect a new modern layout with higher-quality materials and a little more space. 

Upgrade tech features may include a larger infotainment screen with updated graphics, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a new digital gauge cluster display, and possibly a head-up display. 

The 2023 Colorado is expected to arrive about six months after the 2022 Ford Ranger is released. Until then, we will have to wait to learn more. It will be built in the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri beside its cousin, the 2023 GMC Canyon. GM invested $1 billion into the facility to build these new midsize pickups, so it’s safe to predict that significant upgrades are on the way. 

RELATED: The Chevy Colorado Has a Surprising Resale Value

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Skip the SUV: You Need a Subaru Outback for Only $15,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

This is the epitome of the anti-SUV life: the Subaru Outback. Despite the absurd used market, Outbacks are cheap and plentiful should you be looking to buy, according to a recent study by iseeCars. The model is plentiful because it’s just so damned popular. Even the word “Subaru” conjures images of the lifted station wagon for most consumers. Sure, a few outliers may think more about the excellent WRX/STI models, but to most Americans, a Subaru is an Outback, full stop.

The Subaru Outback is a steal at any price

2014 Subaru Outback | Sebastian Feval via Getty Images

The Outback is wildly popular for a reason. It puts into effect a tried and true formula for auto sales success. All-wheel drive, fuel-efficient engine, comfortable interior, and plenty of cargo capacity. This exact formula has given rise to many of the most popular SUVs on the market, like the brand’s own Forester model. Add to that a consumer-friendly price point, and you’ve got yourself a winner.

The story is no different in the used market. The Outback formula has been the same since cavemen were scratching images of the vehicle onto the walls of caves after hunting a mammoth. Speaking of mammoth, size and cargo capacity are two of the Subaru Outback’s most desirable traits. These traits are what make the vehicle such a safe purchase, too.

Supply is plentiful

Subaru's logo on the hood of a car covered in snow
The Japanese brand’s logo | Robert Alexander Getty Images

Production numbers for the big wagon are high. In the last decade, it was rare to see production numbers dip below the 100,000 mark. So, you’ll have no trouble at all finding a model that can fit your budget. Prices can be all over the place, but a bargain can be had around the $15,000 mark. Speaking of bargains, it’s time to talk about the pricing on certain Outback models.

Per the iSeeCars study, models made right around 2014 can regularly be found for roughly $15,000. This one here can be had for a hair under $14,000. This isn’t the only example either. Finding one of this vintage is easy, even in this market. Of course, be sure to ensure the car has been properly maintained, regardless of mileage.

You don’t need the SUV with a Subaru Outback

A green Outback on a trail
Outback models hold up well to abuse | Vander Brug via Getty Images

There’s clearly plenty of upsides to Outback ownership. So much so, it’s easy to see why so many people choose them over SUVs of similar age and mileage. Offering similar storage capacity with a smaller overall footprint makes the brand’s star pupil a no-brainer over just about any comparable SUV. Best of all, plentiful availability and strong reliability help make Subaru’s Outback wagon a strong candidate for beating the used market craziness.

RELATED: Proof the 2021 Subaru Outback Is the Best Station Wagon for Your Family

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