My biggest problem with the Maverick rotary shifter is that I have to look down whenever I want to go in or out of reverse. If it was on the dashboard where I can see it without looking down would eliminate this frustration.

Showing up for court. Most times they’re willing to reduce the traffic violation to get the hearing over with quickly.

Ford Maverick: the spiritual descendant of the 20th century Ford Ranger. And the Tacoma, Mazda B2000, Nissan Frontier, Chevy S-10. When I was younger (<40), the older guys were all driving these things because they were cheap, until the US added tariffs that made all the imports too expensive. And the Big Three made…

Our cruise was not able to dock at THREE ports of call due to weather. If you booked a tour with the cruise line, you got your money back. With an independent tour operator, too bad no refund.

Here in Maine, heated steering wheel. Don’t knock it until you try it.

Range Rover Sport. THIS. Last week minding my own business an asshat driving one passed a car behind me and was coming up fast on my tail. We get to the top of a very steep hill and of course he wanted help me over the top. Tailgating me down, I just let my hybrid regen brake at 35 mph down as I always do. Of course,…

At least here in Northern New England, new Mavericks are going at MSRP no ADM. How do I know? Closing on a deal for one now.

LOVE the CrossClimates. Over 70K and still enough tread for rain and non-winter months. However this morning was first snowfall in Maine. Not awful by any means, but it got hairy changing lanes in the slush. I was hoping to wait until Spring to buy new tires, but looks like I’m going with full on snow tires. The…

Any jacked up Silverado pickup (usually trashed) flying a faded and torn Don’t Tread On Me or US Flag. Bonus points if it’s a diesel that can roll coal. These abominations are everywhere in Maine.

The Thomas Edison rest stop on the NJ Turnpike. When you’re reliving the nightmare of the NJT, this is it. Trucks and cars alike parked anywhere they can find a spot.

THE Wagon Queen Family Truckster.

The Wagon Queen Family Truckster. Seriously.

Best automotive decision I made is buying a new car during the pandemic, before the car market went bonkers: a 2020 CR-V. It was discounted way below MSRP and cheap 1.9% financing. Holy crap have you seen prices for one now new or used? A close 2nd, buying a new ‘21 Insight. Same reasons. Holy crap have you seen…

It’s a bit over $50K, but the correct answer is Acura Integra Type S

1986 Audi 5000CS Turbo Quattro. Solidified Audi as a leading car brand and AWD ubiquitous. My father bought one and man, it was sweet. Driving on the turnpike I got it up to 120 mph before I lost my nerve.

I was a firm believer in this rule. Then a pandemic happened. In 2020 I needed a another car and blanched at used car prices. Bought a new 2020 CR-V when they still had them on the lot AND well below MSRP. Same with a 2021 Insight, and just before new car prices went crazy. I don’t regret it at all considering how the…

Saw a Pontiac G8 GT this morning. Totally getaway ready.

There’s absolutely no reason to excessively speed. And don’t be obnoxious and road ragey. Neither one makes driving any better, and usually much worse.

I signed up and a dealer emailed back. A $500 non-refundable deposit was required by them to place an order. Is that how Ford is doing Maverick orders now?

THIS. Worse is the 2.0 standard engine in the Impreza and CrossTrek.