Talking to a friend and fellow gearhead, we discussed the highlights. He works for a Chevy dealer, but couldn't help but appreciate the Ford display. He liked the interactive trivia games and the on-site test drives outside. Ford was flexing it's American muscle for SoCal's car-loving audience to see. We agreed this presence existed as well at last month's SEMA Show in Vegas. I was quick to point out the abundant amount of late-model Camaros at both shows too.

A few other less automotive savvy friends called me from the show. Funny how many think I live at these events. Don't get me wrong, my dream job would be covering all the shows worldwide. Frankfurt and Tokyo auto shows would be the top of my list! But I shall digress as SPEED TV has yet to knockdown my door.

No matter where the auto show, they all give you a wide spectrum of what's to come. From the latest hybrid to the fastest super car, it's all there. At the end of the day some of us love our cars, while other maintain the "A to B" mentality. Transportation is the modern way of life. It's a big part our history, and isn't going away anytime soon.

Motor On, Lance

The car was great, it's no wonder VW is number one in Europe. The new Jetta rides excellent, and is very ergonomic. I was surprised by the power from the 2.5 liter in-line 5 cylinder engine. It may only have 177hp, but thanks to the 6-speed transmission, this thing scoots. It also averaged a 28mpg loaded with 4 adults and luggage.

I have heard of this city by the Colorado river for years, but never had visited. I quickly learned the history of this town, and it all started with one man. This man is Don Laughlin, a self proclaimed workaholic and true entrepreneur at heart. He got into the slots business early on in life. This led him to what is known today as Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort. The place where I found a hidden oasis in the dessert.

Here's a little nugget of history for you; Evidently the post master contacted Mr. Laughlin about the cities name for a local post office. Laughlin suggested Riverside Resort, the postmaster suggested "Laughlin". Evidently his suggestion was due to both being of Irish heritage. That's how this little steal away came to be named.

Long past are the days of chicken buffets for .98 cents and mobsters cruising down Route 66. The modern day Laughlin in simple words is a throwback to Las Vegas of yester-year. The people are friendly and down home, the traffic is minimal, and there aren't drunk college kids on every street corner!

Among the limited amenities of this town is a hidden jewel. One that can be appreciated by all, and is a must-see for gearheads. It's a great collection of cars from all era's and origins. It's known as the Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection. Just like the Murphy Museum of Oxnard, this museum is a collection of several owner's vehicles. Most are from Nevada, Arizona, or California.

I love this kind of collection,it makes for an eclectic gathering of iron from automotive past. You will find the usual suspects; late 50's Chevy sedans and early 30's Ford's, as well as a few pro-street cars and ground-up resto's. The cars that stood out to me were a few mid 60's Studebaker Avantis. In my opinion these cars were ahead of their time in design both esthetically and mechanically.

This collection also boasts a nice gathering of classics of the two-wheel variety. Everything from a gorgeous BSA, to a Honda Goldwing used on a ten-year, 50,000 mile road trip. There are also a few nice one-off rides that can't be found anywhere else.

If you find yourself needing a break from Las Vegas, turn to Laughlin. From the 11 casinos, to the river and museum, there is plenty to do in a weekend get away here. Take advantage of $10 rooms and $4.99 buffet specials...and a free tour of some beautiful autos!

Motor On,

Lance

Find out more about the museum at: Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection
Admission: FREE!
Hours: 10a-10p Mon-Sun

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.

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

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

Cheers, Lance

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

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 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 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