My two 2011 BMWs (e91 and e88) have identical architecture and share all the same diagnostic software and hardware. Slightly different versions of the N/A six, one is a regular N52 and the other the SULEV N51. Still close enough to make things easy as far as working on them - it’s all basically the same stuff on both…

So whats interesting is that it appears that ZF is mostly to credit for this powertrain (from a concept, obviously Jeep engineers deserve a lot of credit for implantation). The ZF8HP was designed from the outset to have the torque converter replaced with an IMG but it seems no one took them up on it until now, I…

I really dislike the use of ‘average’ new car price to justify car costs. Let’s look at the median price. The problem: google doesn’t know the difference between mean and median (or it thinks I don’t know).

It’s the black “floating” roof, but the GW mistakenly left all the pillars white which looks awful.

I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree.  The smallest bed I would consider is a 5ft.  A 5ft bed still requires a dropped tailgate to transport a motorcycle.  It’s also short enough that it makes lumber hauls quite tricky, but still possible.  Anything less and I’d rather own a trailer.

The video sounds like straight cut race gears. It might not be the motors.

“Doesn’t want: Something too heavy on the maintenance.”

“I build roof trusses”

Bonus if it is an ecoboost flex. Because 365hp BRICK!

Nonsense. Dude likes to camp. He needs an odd, different thing in his life.

You’ve got kids, it’s Michigan(snow), want to haul stuff and camp. How about a Flex.

Nope, good guess, though! This recall actually predates that. And ironically, the rear seat is clearly the bigger danger, but nothing has been done there. Funny how it all works...

Short distance commute, need to park, developed coastal city? You should go for a plug-in or EV. The Bolt could work well. With tax credits, the Bolt comes comfortably under your budget and can certainly do a bike rack either behind or above. 

I was going to break the budget by $10k and suggest a Jaguar XF Wagon.

Would this qualify as a “light truck”? I mentioned this in Kristens suv crash article but could it be that manufacturers are just building to the “light truck” category? Lower cost associated with lower crash standards, worse fuel efficiency and emissions? How many actual vehicles qualify in the “passenger” category…

I agree. The design seems much more refined. I’m not a fan of the current gen Focus. RS be damned.

No, but I’m writing it down...

Star for the FJ40 for a form follows function aesthetic.

Case in point. Otherwise lovely car...

Probably from the media day. I know Doug Demuro took his loaner up around that area and I think there was another group who did too. Motor Trend maybe?