Motorhead

One big annual auto event I try to almost make every year is is SEMA. This is an acronym for the Specialty Equipment Market Association. It's a trade association that consists of several thousand automotive-related companies (domestic and international). From auto-related government issues, to the latest industry news, SEMA is involved with all aspects of the automotive world.

The SEMA Logo

SEMA holds it's annual convention every year in Las Vegas. This event, combined with the AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Show), makes for the largest convention of the year for Sin City. It's a great place to catch up with friends "in the business". Rather it be the guys from H&R Springs, or an old shop-owning friend in SLO, it's gearheads untie event.

This year showed the evident hurt this recession has put on the automotive industry. It's tough seeing some of these companies struggle. It was evident the exhibitor count was down. This huge event typically takes over every inch of the Las Vegas Convention Center, not this year. Most wings had areas blocked off with make-shift walls. One sliver lining was the fact that attendance was also down, so navigating the halls was easy. .

H&R springs' 2010 modded Mustang

Overall I think the show is still the destination for annual encounters with top existing, and new vendors. It's a great place to see the latest automotive innovations. The aftermarket industry while struggling now, is still a multi-billion dollar annual grossing market. This industry will rebound, not to what it was, but still will bounce back to a better position.

Thanks to SEMA and all they do for the industry. Those of us close, or in the auto industry appreciate all you do. Rather it be emissions laws at capital hill, or giving us an annual event to catch up, you make a difference in the auto world.

When purchasing something we often think about reliability. Will this pair of scissors dull after the fiftieth cut? Will this glove fall apart after a season of riding? No matter what the product, reliability always crosses all of our minds.

This brings me to what we depend on everyday...our transportation. Some buy cars based on this topic alone. I think this is why everyone from a first-time driver, to baby boomers drives Honda Civics. Such cars have not only thrived on the element of reliability, they have made it cool!

So, where do the cars of recent years stack up? According to a recent Consumer Reports article, the answers may surprise you. The 2009 auto survey put out is based on subscribers' experiences with 1.4 million vehicles.

While the Honda Insight tops the import list, the German's take bottom spot with the Volkswagen Toureg. Ford leads top build quality for domestics which I find as very cool, being they are the only domestic manufacturer to not take bailout money.

Lincoln hits a home run with the 2009 MKZ.

Even more interesting is that the much loved Toyota Camry and Honda Accord got beat out by the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. Those industry savvy have seen a drop in build quality for both Lexus and Toyota since the automotive giant took first place for global manufacturing. Another success story is in the luxury class. The Lincoln MKZ beat out both the Lexus ES and the Acura TL.

2009 Lexus ES, falling short on the all-wheel drive review.

Lexus also came in low on the all-wheel drive list with their ES model. The Nissan Versa and Subaru Impreza WRX were also among the bottom dwellers. This report covers every category of vehicle you could imagine. The nice thing about it is there's no bias to it.

Being subscribed to Car & Driver, Road & Track, Automobile and Motortrend, I notice most reviews are bias. Even I favor some makes over others, but at least I base my opinion on years of wrenching, writing service and towing for AAA.

Likewise this report comes from real world people, individuals that own and drive these cars for more than a day or a month. They require at least a minimum of 100 responses before a car gets accepted to the list. Just FYI in case you were wondering if Bob Lutz and his five best friends got Cadillac ahead of Lexus!

Read all about it at ConsumerDigest.org

Motor On, Lance

You would have to be in a coma to not be aware of the current economic market. No matter the field, no business has proven to be recession proof. But with every storm there is a silver lining.

In times like these we focus more so on what we need, than what we want. One thing most of us continue to need is transportation. I'm not sure of you have shopped cars lately, but it's become a bargain market out there.

New cars have some of the best buy, and lease deals available in years. Likewise the pre-owned segment has become a buyer's paradise as well. While most of us are in a hold fast position in relation to large ticket purchases, some have chosen the carpe diem, or "seize the day" strategy.

I'm not sure what the analysts and such are saying, but I say buy it if you can. Between the 2009 and 2010 model years, I have seen some of the nicest vehicles in years roll out. No matter if you are shopping for a economy car or a full-size truck, the market is abundant with great vehicles. Safety, efficiency, and design are finally coming together.

A sea of new cars

Even if the pre-owned market is more your price range, nice rides await you. While fuel economy might not be its best on a 3-5 year old car, safety and styling is. In recent years dozens of safety items and creature features have become standard on the most basic of auto makes.

So, if your ride is leaving you stranded, don't hold back the hunt for a replacement. Look long and hard for that perfect car. Chances are the right buy awaits you, and their loss is your gain!

As always, feel free to e-mail me if you have any auto-related questions. From maintenance to best buying practice, I am more than happy to answer your query.

Motor On, Lance

I wanted to thank you all for subscribing to my blog. I want to apologize for being M.I.A. the past several weeks. I went on an 8-day, 3,000 mile road trip across 6 states. Upon my return I was ready to write, but had log-in issues the past few weeks. I'm pleased to say I now have access again and will be posting a new entry very soon.

Cheers, Lance

I recently had a reader request my input on what to buy if looking for an American muscle car on a smaller budget. This made my response a little tricky being it was a buy on a tight budget.

Before searching for a small cost muscle car, review these considerations:

1. Parts availability - You want to buy something that has a big enough following to be able to find replacement parts. There are many companies that make reproduction parts for the more popular cars, where as others are hard to find.

2. Repair friendly - Buying a car with a simple straight 6 or a nice 350 small block will make for less headaches as these are easy and inexpensive engines to work on.

3. Fit and finish - Don't buy a car by just what you see on the surface. Take time to look for frame damage or extensive rust. Doing this may require you to take time to look under the car, but it will be well worth your efforts in the long haul.

Chevy suggestions:

Everyone loves a Camaro! So, don't hold your breathe on finding one of your on a budget. Likewise goes for the 60's and early 70's Chevelle. One you may find for a steal is a Chevy Nova (aka Chevy II) this car can easily be converted to V8 from 6 and is a blast to build up (beware of rusted out trunk bottom).

1966 Chevy Chevelle

Dodge suggestions:

Dodge has the high-end classics like the Challenger and Charger, but there are other similar classics in the line up. The Dodge Dart, and Dodge Dart Swingers are comparable to the Chevy Nova. These cars are smaller than most muscle cars of the day but can pack just as much punch (less weight + same power = more punch). Also keep an eye out for the Dodge Satellite, it's just s tripped down Charger!

1969 Dodge Dart Swinger

Ford suggestions:

The given for 60's Ford muscle is, of course, the Mustang. I respect this as a true classic, but think it's a little overrated. One sleeper muscle car Ford had was the Falcon. This was their "F body" car and again, is comparable to the Nova or Dart.

1963 Ford falcon Sprint

While all these cars are nice, their are plenty of choices when shopping for American iron. It's more so the fact that you have something to jump in and take you back to simpler times. Back when phones had cords, kids watched Johnny Quest, and cars were a way of life.

Motor on , Lance

When people know you are a gearhead it makes for easy conversation. Often I am asked where to get the deals, what the best gas to use is, or what I think of the latest auto news. The CARS program (or Cash for Clunkers to most) has definitely become the topic of choice on casual conversation recently.

I'm going to refrain from discussing the logistics of the program. I'm also not going to talk about any dealer or make in particular, as my opinion in know way factors these elements. Instead I want to share what I think is wrong with the program. This will be coming from my influential upbringing in the Bay Area (San Francisco). A place where recycling and the environment have been "in" for decades.

The one thing that has been bothering me about this program is this; what is happening to the "clunkers" once they are collected? Many friends in the business have been telling me that the vehicles coming in aren't really junk. Sure, they get sub-standard gas mileage, but consider how many lower income families could use these vehicles. I would say more over half the country can't even afford a new car.

We have all seen stories and videos covering the back-side of this program. They have images of decent cars getting crushed at a local junkyard. I have to ask why? Fine, take them off the road and get people to step up, but why not really recycle them? I don't mean crush 'em and send them to the metal smelting factory people. Take these cars and part them out like salvage yards have done for the past century. One nineties Ford Taurus could keep a dozen others alive. Many parts on these "junk" cars are are perfect for someone wanting to replace a broken mirror or bumper.

I believe in what some call "the triangle"; Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Notice one of these words is "reuse", meaning not everything has to be destroyed and rebuilt from scratch. It takes massive amounts of energy and natural resources to recycle the simplest tin can. This is why recycled materials typically cost more than "virgin" material.

Is the CARS, or "Cash for Clunkers" program a good idea? Yes. It's "stimulating" the economy where it should have in the first place. Stop giving billions to big business' and start passing it down to the people. Because I trust my neighbor more than I trust a blue-hair in a suit at some large corporate bank. But think things through when developing such a plan. The economy and MPG aren't only factors in such a program.

- Lance

I typically keep a car for 6 months to a year tops. One thing I have realized is that every make has a great model. I never in a million years thought I would own a Pontiac, yet I had an '05 GTO and that car was great to me. Now I'm driving a Nissan 350Z. Nissan didn't "do it for me" much over the years., but I now realized the Z is another example of great bang-for-buck.

I thought I would create my own personal list of top models for each make. These cars made the list based on several factors. My top measurement in recent years has been the BFB factor (bang-for-buck). Buy your next car based on this alone and you will be amazed. The second is build quality, always important to most car buyers. Another is reliability, an equally important factor for long vehicle life without headaches.

I chose to touch on the more popular brands in the U.S. market today, Unlike the writers of most auto blogs and magazines, I don't feel the need to put the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, or any other "super car" on my list. This is a collection of cars for the masses, which makes up the majority of this countries car buyers.

Acura- TL
It's lines were once sexy, but that sex appeal is now in the on board electronics. The TL is a car made for even the most modest computer geek.

BMW- 3 series
This car has been leading the luxury class for decades and won more awards than any other. It's well-balanced, from ergonomics to performance and handling.

Buick- MDX
It's Buick's version of the Edge and gives Lexus RX a run for it's money.

Cadillac- CTS-V
Just the fact that Cadi has beat out Lexus in build quality the past two years says enough. To top it off this sedan is in the top ten for track times at "The Ring".

Chevrolet- Corvette
King of "bang-for-buck" sports cars. Nothing screams American muscle better than the flag wearing emblem of the General's Vette line.

Ford- Mustang
This car just won't die! Being the first, and longest living pony car on the market says enough about Mustang. It transcends 5 generations of sports car passion.

GMC- Sierra truck series
Ford trucks may have always been number one, but GMC just makes a nice, smooth looking truck and no better example yet than this year.

Honda- Accord
This sedan has always impressed me. Unlike it's younger brother (Civic), this car isn't found on every corner. It also offers most bells and whistles available on a 3 series BMW

Jaguar- XF
Wow! Jaguar, now owned by India based Tah Tah Motors, came out with barrels blazing when the all new '09 XF was released. It's an excellent alternate to Bimmer or Benz.

Kia- Forte
I'm digging this new Civic/Corolla comparo car. Never have I owned a Kia or desired to, but this car offers a lot of auto for a little money.

Lincoln- MKZ
Lincoln has been behind the luxury bell curve in recent years, but this car comes very close to it's European rivals.

Mazda- Speed 3
I have owned three Mazda's over the years and all have been great to me. The Speed 3 is a real sleeper, offering power and reliability in a neat little package.

Mercedes Benz- C63 AMG
While I loved my E55 AMG, the newest C63 AMG takes the cake. This little entry level Mercedes has been tweaked to the extreme and can take any comparable luxury on.

Mercury- Milan
It's a mid-size car with good MPG and a great starting price point...but it's a Mercury

Mitsubishi- Lancer EVO Sport
While Mitsubishi has been struggling with market share stateside, the Lancer has always shined through. It's rally roots and aggressive looks make it a hot ticket.

Nissan- 370Z
Think of it as the Japaneses version of the Mustang. The Z line has really been around since the 60's (Datsun fairlady Z). It feels like a BMW but cost thousands less!

Pontiac- G8 GT
It might have an arrow on the grill, but this is an Aussie born car. Between the Gas sipping V8 under the hood and Zeta chassis, you get a sweet sedan for under $30k

Porsche- Cayman
Everyone loves the 911 and most Porsche lovers say there is no better. I say save your money! With the right computer tune the Cayman will take the 911 with ease.

Subaru- Impreza WRX
Another rally born car, the Impreza is very impressive for being Subaru. These guys are the king of all-wheel drive and turbos. This car shows off great examples of both.

Toyota- Prius
Ugly? Yes, but I give Toyota credit for leading the hybrid movement...even if it was started by GM's EV1 back in 1996. It's not the first time Toyota raped GM's playbook

VW- Jetta TDI
Many think of diesel as a horrible form of fuel. Little known is it that today's diesels are cleaner than most gas powered engines. This example gets up to 50 miles per gallon!

Volvo- C30
This little 3-door made a big splash for this once king of safety company. Meant for the gen X/ gen Y crowd, even baby boomer's found a soft spot for this little sport car.

Motor on, Lance

The VCSWheels crew had an opportunity to visit the Murphy Museum recently, and caught it all on video for you. I was very impressed with the random assortment of cars at this museum. Most collections have a "theme" of sorts, rather it be make, model, or era. At this venue we found everything from model T's to to Indians.

The reason for such a wild assortment was quickly explained on our tour. This isn't a collection of one individual, but rather a collection of dozens. All participants loan their vehicles to the museum so they may be enjoyed by the masses.

If you want to enjoy a nice, climate controlled car show, this is the place for you! Check it out now on our exclusive video below.

Happy Motoring, Lance

There was once a popular past time known as "cruising". I'm known as a gen X, but even my generation was big on cruising. If you worked hard enough to own a car, you deserved to be seen in it! Wondering what I'm talking about? Rent the movie American Graffiti, it's an excellent example of cruising at it's finest.

Today with climbing cost of gas and stricter vehicle enforcement, cruising has all but disappeared. No more picking up your buddies and driving up and down the boulevard hoping to catch the eye of the other sex.

But wait! Just when you thought it was dead, someone comes along and revives it for the masses. Thanks in part to the The Old Town Merchants Association, along with the Channel Islands Chapter of the Pontiac-Oakland Club International. Now you can experience a tradition known in car culture for over fifty years.

This free cruise night and car show takes place the fourth Friday night through Sept. 25, from 6 to 9pm. Classic cars from 1980 and older line the lot of the former courthouse while dozens of cars cruise Ventura Blvd.

Catch a glimpse of the June cruise below.

Happy Motoring,

Lance

I believe the saying goes: "The squeaky wheel gets the grease". Most commonly used as a metaphor, but it also is true when your auto starts acting up. In another life, many moons ago, I wrote service for vehicle repair. Service writing had long hours, but allowed you to build a nice rapport with the customer.

Today I still have friends asking miscellaneous questions about auto issues. Amazingly I still archive several typical, and even less common issues, away in my head from those years of service writing. A common one I want to share involves squeaky brakes.

The question is: "I think my brakes are squeaking, what should I do?" The answer is simple, get them inspected. While some shops charge, others due a free visual inspection of brakes. If you get them inspected when they first squeak, chances are you will save yourself hundreds of dollars. How, do you ask? Nearly all brakes today have what's called a squeak bar (or wear bar). This is a small metal tab that protrudes out from the pad itself. When the pad material gets down to a certain point (about 2/32 of an inch), this metal tabs starts to make contact with the brake rotor.

So what happens once the squeaking stops? If you don't get the brakes inspected after hearing a continual squeak, your repair bill may double. If the brake pad material wears down to the rivets, chances are you will be also need new rotors not just pads. The average brake job can range for $150 to $350 per axle. When it gets to the point of needing new rotors however, that price will likely double! So if the squeak stops, don't think "oh it just went away, I'm okay".

Always put brakes and tires atop your maintenance list. These are the things that help you keep your vehicle under control. Loss of control is one of the top reasons for most major (non-alcohol related) accidents in this country.

Happy Motoring,

Lance

In this day and age you need an Orphan Annie decoder ring to help understand the modern-day vehicle features. Decades ago you looked for simple acronyms like; PW (Power Windows), PD (Power Doors), or A/C (Air Conditioning). Today things are a little more advanced, mainly due to the increase in vehicle safety. Ever since the introduction of anti-lock brakes (ABS) in the late 60's, cars have been improving progressively on safety.

Today we are accustom to seeing SRS labels throughout a vehicle cabin. The supplement restraint system, known to most as "air bags", was the biggest deal since ABS. This easily made the difference between major and minor injuries in an accident. It's a feature that is not appreciated until it's needed. Other safety features have since been added, but many don't even know what these latest-greatest features are.

Take the traction control system for example. TCS, also known as ASR, is one of the neatest safety features yet. The earliest versions were released by BMW, Mercedes, and Toyota back in 1987. This part electronic/part hydraulic system makes sure traction is maintained at the drive wheels. It monitors when there's a loss of traction, this typically happens from excess torque or contact with slippery surfaces (i.e. snow, sand, dirt). While some retard spark to the motor, others reduce fuel delivery, apply brake to the wheel, or close off the throttle. In other wards; this system does what the driver may not know to do!

1955 S-class Mercedes w/ ESC

Now don't confuse TCS with ESC, or the electronic stability control. ESC has been around since the 50's and was years ahead of it's time. Thanks to a partnership between Mercedes Benz and Bosch, the first ESC system was applied to an S-class Benz. This system works in conjunction with a vehicles ABS and TCS systems.

In a nutshell, this system has sensors that recognize what the car is doing and what the driver wants it to do. If it feels the car is swaying right, yet the driver is steering left, the system will apply brake or reduce fuel to help with the end result desired by the driver. This is the system that saves you from losing control when you swerve to avoid say a deer at high speeds. In years past you would lose control from over-steer and swerve off the road. With ESC, the car intervenes and makes sure this doesn't occur.

The safety levels of todays autos have evolved to nothing short of brilliance. Long past are the days of the Model T and simpler times. While you may never know all these acronyms, do know that they are doing important things to help you keep the shiny side up!

Happy Motoring,

Lance

Ventura County's got some of the best back roads in Southern California. So why not come up with a fun bike rally to ride these roads on vintage bikes? That's what Danielle Quinn thought about when her and "uncle James" created the annual Harry Quinn ride.

Danielle stated this ride was created in part to commemorate her grandpa, Harry Quinn. Harry has ridden roads from "the old country" to SoCal. He is a big reason why nearly a dozen of the Quinn clan got into riding. Another big reason was to get those that owned classic two-wheels to pull them out for a good old ride in the canyons.

This year was the second-annual run and tons of fun. An estimated 250+ riders made the event riding everything from FZ's to Norton Commando's. This was by far the most eclectic and exciting bunch of bikes and riders I have ever seen!

Check out the ride here: VCS Wheels: Vintage Bike Run

Ride on,

Lance