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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I'm a Car Expert: 5 Hybrids That Aren't Worth the Money
Hybrids offer drivers better fuel economy without fully committing to electric. But not every model lives up to the hype. Drive On: Find Out: 'Stay away from any vehicle where it is [in] its first year of production. You are the guinea pig,' said Chris Pyle, auto expert at JustAnswer. 'Also, something to think about. Most hybrids help in the city MPG, not so much in the highway MPG. So if you drive a lot [on] highways and interstates, and expect great results. You will be disappointed.' According to car experts, here are five hybrids that just aren't worth the money. Chrysler Pacifica 'The Pacifica is a popular hybrid; rental fleets almost always include several of them, and they're one of the more affordable minivans. Unfortunately, they're not built to last,' said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert at Auto Insurance. 'They may be suitable for a rental fleet because they tend to be reliable for the first couple of years, but after that, they have a history of experiencing various types of problems,' she added. According to Musson, these issues range from electrical problems to complete engine failure. Pyle also pointed out that it's known for its charging issues because it's a plug-in hybrid. Save More: Toyota Sequoia 'The Sequoia is priced so that it competes with some luxury cars; however, it's a Toyota,' Musson said. 'You'd expect that as a hybrid, the fuel economy would be excellent, but it only gets a combined 20 mpg. There's no denying that the Sequoia is strong and tough, but it's overpriced and inefficient.' It has a starting price of over $60,000, limited cargo space and drives as big as it is, according to Car and Driver. While it's comfortable, it's not as practical as other full-size SUVs. Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4XE 'The Jeep brand is already struggling and has been for years with concerns related to engine, transmission and wiring,' Pyle said. 'Now, throw in the hybrid stuff on these vehicles. It still has all of the problems as mentioned previously, plus premature battery failure and fires.' According to Lemon Law Experts, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Jeep 4XE vehicles due to fire risks associated with their high-voltage batteries. However, it targets 2020-2024 Jeep Wranglers and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokees. One Redditor even posted a video of their 2021 4XE spontaneously combusting in their driveway. Ford F-150 According to Edmunds, the Ford F-150's hybrid powertrain is noisy, particularly when powering the onboard generator. 'The hybrid F-150 has a noisy cabin, which can be annoying if you're trying to listen to something or hold a conversation,' Musson said. 'Turbos, in general, are problematic, but the F-150 Hybrid turbo tends to have even more issues than usual.' More From GOBankingRates 5 Ways Trump Signing the GENIUS Act Could Impact Retirees7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth This article originally appeared on I'm a Car Expert: 5 Hybrids That Aren't Worth the Money
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I'm a Car Expert: 5 Hybrids That Aren't Worth the Money
Hybrids offer drivers better fuel economy without fully committing to electric. But not every model lives up to the hype. Drive On: Find Out: 'Stay away from any vehicle where it is [in] its first year of production. You are the guinea pig,' said Chris Pyle, auto expert at JustAnswer. 'Also, something to think about. Most hybrids help in the city MPG, not so much in the highway MPG. So if you drive a lot [on] highways and interstates, and expect great results. You will be disappointed.' According to car experts, here are five hybrids that just aren't worth the money. Chrysler Pacifica 'The Pacifica is a popular hybrid; rental fleets almost always include several of them, and they're one of the more affordable minivans. Unfortunately, they're not built to last,' said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert at Auto Insurance. 'They may be suitable for a rental fleet because they tend to be reliable for the first couple of years, but after that, they have a history of experiencing various types of problems,' she added. According to Musson, these issues range from electrical problems to complete engine failure. Pyle also pointed out that it's known for its charging issues because it's a plug-in hybrid. Save More: Toyota Sequoia 'The Sequoia is priced so that it competes with some luxury cars; however, it's a Toyota,' Musson said. 'You'd expect that as a hybrid, the fuel economy would be excellent, but it only gets a combined 20 mpg. There's no denying that the Sequoia is strong and tough, but it's overpriced and inefficient.' It has a starting price of over $60,000, limited cargo space and drives as big as it is, according to Car and Driver. While it's comfortable, it's not as practical as other full-size SUVs. Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4XE 'The Jeep brand is already struggling and has been for years with concerns related to engine, transmission and wiring,' Pyle said. 'Now, throw in the hybrid stuff on these vehicles. It still has all of the problems as mentioned previously, plus premature battery failure and fires.' According to Lemon Law Experts, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Jeep 4XE vehicles due to fire risks associated with their high-voltage batteries. However, it targets 2020-2024 Jeep Wranglers and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokees. One Redditor even posted a video of their 2021 4XE spontaneously combusting in their driveway. Ford F-150 According to Edmunds, the Ford F-150's hybrid powertrain is noisy, particularly when powering the onboard generator. 'The hybrid F-150 has a noisy cabin, which can be annoying if you're trying to listen to something or hold a conversation,' Musson said. 'Turbos, in general, are problematic, but the F-150 Hybrid turbo tends to have even more issues than usual.' More From GOBankingRates 5 Ways Trump Signing the GENIUS Act Could Impact RetireesWarren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On This article originally appeared on I'm a Car Expert: 5 Hybrids That Aren't Worth the Money
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
5 Luxury Cars That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a buyer's market for luxury cars, with several high-end models expected to see steep price drops. Read Next: Find Out: Lauren Fix, automotive expert at Car Coach Reports, explained that high inventory, slowing demand for electric vehicles and shifting consumer preferences are driving down prices. Economic factors like tariffs, rising interest rates and elevated insurance costs are adding even more pressure, making luxury vehicles less attractive to many buyers. Those in the market for a luxury car should watch for dealer incentives and be ready to negotiate, as dealers are eager to clear out aging inventory. The following five models are set to offer some of the best deals, thanks to unique challenges each is facing in today's market. For anyone considering a luxury car purchase, summer 2025 could be the best time in years to score a deal. The Porsche Taycan, once a darling of the luxury electric vehicle world, is now facing significant depreciation. According to Fix, the luxury EV market is slowing, and the Taycan's resale value has dropped by 26.5% in the past year, now averaging around $73,976. This rapid decline is fueled by advances in EV battery technology and fierce competition from newer models, making older Taycans less appealing. Auto mechanic and JustAnswer expert Chris Pyle, says that dealers are more willing to lower the price in the negotiations to free up funds and space on the lot for the new models coming in. Buyers can expect even more aggressive pricing as summer inventory builds and the market for luxury EVs continues to soften. Jaguar's F-Pace SUV is another luxury vehicle expected to see major price drops this summer. The company's transition to an all-electric lineup by 2026 and a controversial rebrand have weakened demand for the F-Pace. According to Car and Driver, it's the slowest-selling U.S. automobile with a 291-day supply on dealer lots, so dealers may need to lower prices to clear stock. Fix noted that the F-Pace's future is uncertain, and buyers can expect deep discounts as Jaguar prepares to phase out this model. For those looking for a bargain on a stylish and capable luxury SUV, the F-Pace will be hard to overlook this season. The Maserati Grecale, a luxury SUV introduced to compete with top German rivals, is struggling with high pricing and low consumer interest. It saw price reductions for 2025, with the Modena trim now $2,000 less and the Trofeo $3,300 less than last year, according to Fix explained that dealers are likely to offer incentives and attractive financing deals to attract buyers, making this summer a prime time to negotiate a strong deal on a Grecale. RealCarTips reports that the 2025 Grecale GT is already selling for about 7% below MSRP, reflecting dealer incentives and negotiation. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, long considered the gold standard for luxury sedans, is expected to see reduced resale values in 2025. The S-Class faces increased competition from rivals like the BMW i7 and Lucid Air, as well as shifting market trends toward more affordable electric vehicles. As per Edmunds, the S-Class faces steep depreciation, with the S 580 4MATIC losing nearly $41,000 in value in its first year and over $65,000 in two years. According to Fix, oversupply and aging technology in the current generation are pushing dealers to offer discounts to attract buyers. As a result, those interested in the S-Class can expect to see more competitive pricing and incentives throughout the summer, especially on models that are not the latest refresh. BMW's 5 Series is another luxury sedan likely to experience substantial price drops this summer. The 2025 refresh, combined with increased production, is expected to lower the resale value of older models as newer versions flood the market. RealCarTips reports that the 2025 5 Series is selling for up to 9% below MSRP in some regions, highlighting strong dealer incentives and discounts. As such, dealers will be motivated to clear out prior-year inventory, leading to steep discounts and attractive financing offers. Fix suggested that buyers monitor dealership and online prices closely, as timing a purchase just before the new models arrive could yield the biggest savings. The 5 Series remains popular, but this summer's market conditions make it a standout for bargain hunters seeking a premium driving experience. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 10 Genius Things Warren Buffett Says To Do With Your Money 7 Luxury SUVs That Will Become Affordable in 2025 This article originally appeared on 5 Luxury Cars That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I'm a Pediatrician and Here's the One Thing Everyone Gets Wrong About AI and Kids
From planning a weeknight meal plan in seconds to spinning a bedtime story about the magic of sharing to doling out surprisingly helpful mother-in-law advice, there's no denying that ChatGPT can streamline family life. But a recent study from the University of Kansas reveals a worrying trend: When it comes to their children's health, many parents trust AI more than the actual health care professionals. And that (understandably) has doctors concerned. I chatted with pediatrician Dr. Karen Klawitter about how parents should—and shouldn't—be using tools like ChatGPT when it comes to their kid's medical care. Dr. Karen Ann Klawitter is a board-certified pediatrician with over 25 years of experience in diverse healthcare settings. A graduate of Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, Dr. Klawitter completed her pediatric residency at Wright-Patterson AFB Medical Center. Currently, Dr. Klawitter contributes her expertise to Just Answer, providing global pediatric consultations, and serves at Community Health Northwest Florida. 'It is generally not recommended to use ChatGPT for kids' health questions and often causes more stress and worry to parents,' Dr. Klawitter explains. (Like when my friend noticed her daughter was drinking more water than usual and the chatbot was convinced she had diabetes—she did not.) To state the obvious, AI isn't a board-certified pediatrician. It doesn't actually know your kid—no matter how detailed the prompts are that you feed it. 'Chat GPT is not a doctor with education or years of real-world experience. The responses provided are based on its training data, which is not always accurate or up to date. This can be very misleading to parents,' Dr. Klawitter explains. 'It can even generate fabricated and false information that can sound very plausible to the parent on the other side.' Most importantly, it's not personalized for child. 'It does not know your kid's past medical history, family history, allergies—all very relevant information for doctors to make medical decisions.' ChatGPT might recommend Tylenol and rest for your kid's 103 fever, but your doctor would send them to the ER based on a history of febrile seizure and heart condition. While the pediatrician has serious concerns about using AI for health queries, that's not to say that there's no use for the technology at all. You just need to use it for general information rather than health advice that is specific to your child. Think of it as a tool for research that you can then bring to your doctor. 'It may help the parent understand a specific diagnosis and/or condition and further open up dialog with additional questions for the health care provider,' she adds. Let's say you suspect your kid has a milk allergy. You could ask ChatGPT for some general information about allergies and common symptoms (gassiness, trouble sleeping) and culprits (yogurt, canned soups), then bring this info to your next doctor's appointment. 'If used correctly, it can be a useful tool in healthcare but it is not a replacement for an actual doctor's medical advice,' says Dr. Klawitter. Oh and one more thing: Do not use ChatGPT for emergency situations. It's not designed for that, the pediatrician stresses, and advises parents to always call emergency services instead. Bottom line: ChatGPT can be a helpful tool but it's not a replacement for following up with a real-life pediatrician. Because while AI can definitely help you outsource annoying family tasks, your kid's health shouldn't be one of them. Ask an AI Chatbot: What Should I Do When a Guy I Like Starts Ghosting Me?
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
4 Reliable Car Models the Middle Class Can Still Afford
It can be tough to afford a vehicle during normal times. Now, with concerns about tariffs and general auto rising costs on the minds of many drivers, this can feel like a terrible time to buy a car or truck. Trending Now: Check Out: However, several well-known and trusted models still offer reliability and affordability for middle-class drivers. Some auto experts shared with GOBankingRates their picks for vehicles that fit the bill. While the details below are for 2025 models, it may be helpful to shop around for some previous years to find lower prices. The pricing and J.D. Power reliability information comes from U.S. News & World Report. MSRP: $28,700 to $36,425 Reliability: 86 It may be no surprise to see the popular Toyota Camry on the top of this list for reliable vehicle models still affordable for the middle class. 'Toyota's reliability plus lower operating costs keep this a top midsize sedan choice,' said Zach Shefska, CEO and co-founder of CarEdge. Be Aware: MSRP: $30,100 to $36,500 Reliability: 84 According to Shefska, 'This is a longtime family favorite. Spacious, durable and efficient, with hybrid and turbo options that offer longevity and value.' MSRP: $36,390 to $53,685 Reliability: 86 'The Telluride is among the reliable models with plush extras you'll find in larger and more expensive vehicles,' said Chris Pyle, an auto expert from JustAnswer. 'It's very well built and rarely visits the shop for power and drive train issues.' MSRP: $26,995 to $40,750 Reliability: 85 'Tariffs have jacked up stickers across the board, yet bread-and-butter picks like the Maverick are still squarely in middle-class territory,' said Sinduja Rangarajan, data storytelling lead for Jerry. 'More than 70% of their parts are made in North America, so these cars see only about a 6% price bump instead of the full 25% import tax. That homegrown parts pipeline also mutes future insurance cost spikes.' More From GOBankingRates 4 Housing Markets That Have Plummeted in Value Over the Past 5 Years This article originally appeared on 4 Reliable Car Models the Middle Class Can Still Afford
