You Need to Sell Your Toyota Tundra Immediately

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Toyota cars and trucks are known for one thing above all else: Reliability. When the sands of time stop moving, your neighbor’s old Toyota will be cruising the timeless cosmos trouble-free. The Tundra is no exception. I speak from personal experience. A family member owns one and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen it get more than an oil change. This, combined with the already incredible resale values of Toyota models, is why you need to sell yours immediately. Then laugh all the way to the bank.

The new Toyota Tundra is a primo pickup

2021 Tundra | Toyota

The Tundra seems to be oft-forgotten. When most people turn to the Japanese brand for a pickup, the Tacoma, or Taco, is almost always the choice. Fair point, too. They’re a little smaller and better on gas than a Tundra. But who doesn’t like more?? Towing capacity is higher, and Tundra models have larger beds and larger motors to boot.

That said, disregard if you’re in Europe and a Hilux is an option. You can literally drop a building on one of those. Reliability is great, but it’s not all that makes a Tundra great. They’re excellent off-roaders capable of stamping mountains flat with little modification. Moreover, there’s also no substitute for car camping with one thanks to that increased footprint over the smaller Tacoma.

The demand is spiking

The bed of the Toyota Tundra
2021 Tundra | Toyota

For these reasons, plus many more, the resale value of Tundra’s is strong. The recent spike in the used car market, due to the semiconductor shortage, has helped drive values even higher, according to iSeeCars. The site lists the Tundra as one of the highest value changes in the last year.

How high? Pretty high as it turns out. Model year depending, you’re looking at an average $8,000 price change in the last year or roughly 25%. What’s more, that’s over 4% above the average increase of 17%. Generally speaking, the newer the Tundra, the better, should you be looking to sell. However, should you want to sell, there are some things to take care of first.

Make your Tundra look good before selling

The interior of the Toyota Tundra
2021 Tundra | Toyota

First and foremost, should you want to sell, now is the time. But make your listing stand out because everyone and their mother is looking to take advantage of the seller’s market right now. One of the best ways to do that is to take some great photos of the vehicle, Tundra or not. I’m not talking about whipping out your iPhone at high noon in your driveway. Wait till sunset, take it somewhere pretty, and pretend to be Van Goh for an hour.

You may even want to consider auctioning the car. It’s not uncommon for auctions to help sell the vehicle faster, and even net you a little more cash in the process. Regardless, now is the time to sell, especially if you happen to own a Toyota Tundra. The Tundra may survive past the death of the universe, but this seller’s market certainly won’t, so take advantage now.

RELATED: Buyer’s Guide: Toyota 4runner (2014-2017)

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Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package: Subtle Changes, Big Payoff

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The new Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package is here, and the hype is real. The price starts at $161,100, the same price as the regular Porsche 911 GT3. What sets the 911 GT3 Touring Package apart from the standard version? The wing. The ever polarizing rear wing.

How much does a Porsche 911 GT3 Touring cost?

Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package | Porsche

Porsche says the 911 GT3 with the touring package will be available in early 2022. What’s different with the touring package? The GT3 Touring has a naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine getting 502 hp and 346 lb-ft. The biggest exterior difference is that the Touring does not have a wing-like the other GT3. Instead, this one has an automatically adjusted rear spoiler. It comes equipped with the performance-oriented 6-speed GT Sport manual transmission.

The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring Package removes the classic rear wing for an automatic adjusting version. Beyond the wing removal, the car remains otherwise unchanged. It weighs about the same as the standard GT3.

One interesting thing to note is that Porsche is offering a warning for those who might order this configuration.

“Due to global supply issues affecting the auto industry, GT3 models equipped with the 6-speed GT Sport Manual Transmission will not be available for delivery until early 2022. Please check with your local dealer for more information.”

Porsche

So while orders are open now, the manual transmission option is going to hold you up should you take that route.

What is the Porsche 911 GT3 Touring?

The Touring Package is the newest trim option in the 911 GT3 lineup. While it isn’t that different from the standard version, there is a good reason. The 911 GT3 is already a pretty spectacular car. The Touring package offers silver trim compared to the blacked-out trim. In addition, it gets a cool badge on the rear grille and offers silver sport exhaust tips.

The 911 GT3 has a 0-6 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 197 mph. The Touring has a 0-6 mph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph.

If that doesn’t set this Porsche apart, there are many ways to customize the car. The seats have a few options with the Touring. The Sport Seats Plus (4-way), Adaptive Sport Seats Plus (18-way) for $2,640, or Full Bucket Seats for $5,900. For the Exclusive Manufaktur Leather Interior upgrade, the cost is $15,350. Otherwise, it will come with the Touring Package interior in black.

You can add other things like a carbon-fiber roof, under-door puddle lights, and other small design features. Buyers can pick between the 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission or the 6-speed GT Sport Manual Transmission, as long as you aren’t in California.

Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) with yellow calipers are $9,210, while the high gloss black calipers will run you $10,110.

How does it compare to the rest of the Porsche lineup?

Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring Package | Porsche

The 718 Cayman starts at $60,500. This one gets 300 hp and has a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 170 mph and also comes in an automatic transmission. The 718 Cayman has a few different options in the lineup.

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 gets 414 hp, 309 lb-ft of torque, and has a top track speed of 189 miles per hour for the manual option. It gets from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds with the naturally aspirated manual boxer 6 engine.

The 911 Turbo S gets 640 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque from the twin-turbocharged boxer six. The 0-60 mph speed is 2.6 seconds, one of the faster times across the brand. The Turbo S has a top track speed of 205 mph, and the starting MSRP is only $207,800.

Overall, the Touring package is going to be hard to resist. While the 911 GT3 is the pinnacle of sports cars, the Touring package only takes it up another notch. If you are even considering considering ordering the GT3 Touring Package, you may as well do it. As 2021 has shown us, nothing in the automotive industry is certain, even if you have an order in.

RELATED: Is the Porsche 911 Worthy of the Supercar Distinction?

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The 2021 Ford Transit Looks Even Cooler in Abyss Gray

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Ford Transit isn’t exactly entering the dark side, but it is entering the gray abyss, and it looks great. The 2021 Ford Transit is turning heads with its sleek new shade of Abyss Gray paint to get away from minivan vibes. 

The 2021 Ford Transit gains a new shade of Abyss Gray 

2021 Ford Transit in Abyss Gray | Ford

First of all, we do not have anything against minivans. They may have a soccer mom stigma, but in reality, they are great for towing, offer tons of cargo space, and they have lower cargo floors that make it easier to load heavy, bulky items. 

But the 2021 Ford Transit has a new shade of Abyss Gray paint that changes the game. Vans have recently started to look cooler and cooler. Now the Transit has new modern colors to enhance its style. 

The shade of Abyss Gray is one of the 10 available colors for the 2021 Transit. Other new colors include Carbonized Gray and Avalanche Gray. You can also opt for Oxford White, Blue Jeans, Ingot Silver, Agate Black, and Race Red. Interior colors include Ebony and Dark Palazzo Grey. 

Is the Ford Transit worth buying? 

RELATED: Ford Has a Transit Model Specifically Made for Camper Vans

Yes, the 2021 Ford Transit is an excellent van to consider. You can go with the base model to enter van life or a well-equipped cargo van for work. There are also camper versions for adventuring. 

According to Car and Driver, for 2021, the Transit gained an increase in Gross Vehicle Weight Rating to 11,000 lbs. This could mean that it will have a larger maximum payload for RWD and AWD cargo van configurations. 

The Ford Transit Connect begins at around $24,655, and the 350 Crew starts at about $39,835. You can fit between two to 15 passengers depending on the configuration you choose. Plus, there are three lengths, three roof heights, and two wheelbases available to suit various needs. 

The base engine is a 3.5-liter V6 option with 275 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 for 310 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Both options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Transit can tow up to 7,500 lbs. The 2020 model can carry a payload of up to 4,530 lbs, but this figure is expected to increase. 

How does the Transit perform? 

A red 2021 Ford Transit van driving over a bridge
2021 Ford Transit | Ford

With the turbocharged engine, the Transit can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.8 seconds, making it a speedy van. The suspension provides a smooth ride that’s perfect for daily commutes. Plus, the quiet interior keeps wind and road noise at bay. 

Base models come with a 4.0-inch multi-function display, but you can upgrade to an 8.0-inch screen. Bluetooth connectivity comes standard, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available. Also, all models come with a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Key standard safety features include forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-departure warning. You can add adaptive cruise control. 

The 2021 Ford Transit is a great-looking van, especially with its new shade of Abyss Gray. It can be easily configured to suit your needs as a passenger, cargo, or adventuring van that will make soccer moms jealous.

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Why Does Everyone Hate Massachusetts Drivers?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Dangerous drivers fill the roadways of America. Automakers are working diligently to improve car safety with advanced features and systems to protect vehicle occupants. Despite their efforts, some traffic accidents are unavoidable. Most of us have been there, cruising down the highway, only to be cut off or beeped at by a rude driver. When we catch a glimpse of the license plate, and it reads Massachusetts, the first thing that usually comes to mind is “Masshole.”

That is the term affectionately given to drivers who bring their aggressive tactics to the nations’ highways. Forced to deal with poor road conditions and crowded city streets, Massachusetts drivers have a reputation for being some of the worst drivers in the country.

So, what is it about these drivers that make the rest of us cringe? And, are they really as bad as most of us think?

Drivers from Massachusetts are notoriously aggressive

A Reddit user posed the question, “Why are Massachusetts drivers so bad?” Responses flooded in, with some blaming the road patterns, poor signage, or road rage. Others blamed out-of-state drivers, left-lane hogs, and treacherous winter weather for the bad driving conditions.

A New York City driver explained the biggest problem is a result of the terrible road layout. He also mentioned that drivers in Boston commonly fail to use their turn signals, making maneuvering intersections a nightmare. Another common trait of Massachusetts drivers is the use of their car horns. The non-stop sound of honking vehicles is a daily occurrence on these northeast city highways.

A lot of people, who were most likely from Boston, tried to defend their driving habits. One user said, “Drivers are accustomed to many, many, many obstacles as a standard of daily driving.”

In the end, most agreed that while Massachusetts drivers “think they’re the greatest drivers in the world,” their reputation precedes them, and they really are just bad drivers.

The roads in Massachusetts may be to blame

The roads are notoriously bad in Massachusetts, especially Boston. Like most major cities, there is constant construction going on to improve the infrastructure.

The layout can be confusing to out-of-state drivers who unexpectedly encounter one-way streets and poorly marked turns. The city of Boston has narrow streets, limited parking spaces, and plenty of pedestrians and cyclists that will challenge even the best of drivers.

Trolleys share the center of the roads in some places, and potholes and icy road conditions are the norms for Massachusetts drivers. People that live in the city have become familiar with the roadways and tend to drive more aggressively.

A reporter at the local radio station WOKQ 97.5 said Massachusetts drivers are known for “driving too slow, driving too fast, tailgating, driving in the left lane and holding up traffic, not using a turn signal, not knowing what a yield sign really means, and not knowing how to use a rotary.”

How Massachusetts drivers rate for safety

Believe it or not, Massachusetts drivers are among the best in the country when looking at statistics.

Smart Asset conducts an annual study to determine the States With the Worst Drivers. For 2020, Mississippi was rated the worst, while Massachusetts came out on top.

The study looks at traffic fatalities, arrests for driving under the influence, and the percentage of insured drivers. Google Trends for driving tickets is also analyzed. The results revealed, “The Bay State ranks within the best 10 states for three of the four metrics we considered, including having the fewest fatalities in the study per 100 million vehicle miles driven.”

According to CarInsurance.com, Massachusetts is the safest state for teens to drive. It has the lowest fatality rate in the nation for teen drivers. The online insurance marketplace credits the graduated driver’s license program, the low number of DUI arrests, and the low rate of distracted driving for the high score.

It appears Massachusetts drivers aren’t the worst in the nation after all, despite what most of the country believes.

RELATED: The 3 Safest Full-Size Pickup Trucks of 2021 According to MotorTrend

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