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Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Electric Car Secrets No One Talks About
Owning an EV can be like a marquee signing for your sports team; the right one is a game-changer. Nonetheless, we can agree there are many stories of woe out there. For instance, finding charging stations in some regions may cost multiple hours searching or waiting for a charge. Repeat this on a weekly basis, and you have a problem. It is an example of how, for some, buying an EV comes with hidden truths that might have discouraged them otherwise. Of course, some realities are manageable. However, even for the most diligent EV driver, there are unhidden truths — or costs — they didn't consider before buying. Put simply, knowing what to expect will help you avoid these pitfalls. The truth is king in this world, and we aim to bring full disclosure about the intricacies of EV ownership. There is a network of fantastic online commentators from the auto world whose opinions matter; we have looked at what they say on the matter. However, this insight also comes from the real owners in forums across the EV map. By scouring the virtual public square, we can garner what EV drivers are saying about buying, driving, and maintaining their EVs. What electric car secrets do people need to know? If you think an EV is your ticket to more on-road entitlements than gas-powered vehicle owners, think again. A 6abc Philadelphia story in April 2025 announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will now charge electric vehicle (EV) owners annual road taxes. While motorists have traditionally paid this at the pump, EV owners will pay a $200 fee, rising to $250 in 2026, states the news report. Until now, states have been experimenting with how they charge EV owners for federal transportation taxes, upping registration fees, for one. Others, like Pennsylvania, will instead charge higher taxes — more severe than gas-powered cars, in some cases. Consumer Reports found in January 2025 that proposed fees for 19 states were far more punitive for EV owners than gas-powered motorists. In general, EVs will save the owner money in the long term — roughly half, if this Forbes article can be believed. In contrast, parts can be a headache, costing more and being harder to locate for older models. An example is that tires on many EVs must contend with a far heavier battery, more torque, and quicker acceleration. According to Kelley Blue Book, EV tires wear out 20% faster than regular gas-powered car tires. 'Since there are fewer choices for electric vehicle tires,' reads the KBB guide, 'you will pay a higher price for four new tires.' It is something all prospective EV drivers should also know. While Lucid Air Grand Touring owners can boast 518 miles of range on a single charge, some EVs might only get you one-third of that. Obviously, you are asking for trouble going anywhere long-range without first mapping out the journey for charging stations. EV forums are awash with stories of getting almost stranded or doubling road trip times. Of course, Tesla is way ahead of the curve with its Go Anywhere road trip planning app, and things are improving all the time for others. Nonetheless, a 2024 PlugInAmerica survey found that public charging infrastructure was a concern for over half of the respondents. Even if you live in suburbia, you need a car that suits your medium-range needs, so buying a Fiat 500e would be brave. AutoWeb's Brady Holt reviewed the 2024 version. While he praised the car's performance, style, and comfort, he also gave it a revealing descriptor of 'errand-running range.' If you plan a daily commute on the Interstate, the chances are you will need to drive an average of 70 mph. Your Subaru Solterra's 228 upper range might be good on paper. As Car and Driver explains in its review, the reality is different: more like 200 miles. You've just got your new EV, so you get to charge it fully as soon as you get home. However, this would be bad advice, according to the consensus on charging matters. A SmartCharge guide explores the many nuances of EV battery care, not least choosing the right charging level for daily use. 'Rely on your private level 1 charger to charge overnight,' reads the post. 'If needed, use a level 2 or level 3 fast charging station to supplement your charge on the go.' Furthermore, newcomers must research their car's capabilities. Keeping the battery within the 20-80% rule is widely considered the best route to battery longevity. If you live in a large city, owning a vehicle, let alone an EV, can be very hard. It is possible for those with the capacity for home charging, and even some tower blocks might have subterranean charging ports. However, other owners have to get in line at their local charging stations, often for much longer than they want. It's easy for us, the gas-powered masses, to scoff at those EV advocates. Some might giggle at the images of people lining up at 11 pm for a charger, like this classic TikTok shot in Burbank, California. Let's not get too carried away because technology is improving fast, and those waiting times will fall soon. An argument you will often hear from EV-resistant debaters is that switching to EVs isn't as clean-energy-oriented as we might think. The hypothesis is that electricity generation has to come from somewhere, usually a fossil fuel. They would be half-right, too. A Department of Energy report shows that it depends on the quality of the energy used. For instance, a car charging on West Virginia's 86% coal-fired electricity will generate more emissions than one in California. The Golden State gets over half its power from renewables. California needs over one million public charging stations installed by 2030 to meet demand — a pipe dream, says Alejandro Lazo of CalMatters. There are several reasons EVs lose value so quickly compared to gasoline vehicles. Most importantly, EV technology makes such huge advances each year that even recent car models can look dated. Like a Hollywood starlet, an EV's visual appeal shelf life is fleeting, soon forgotten for a fresh-faced newcomer. A Motor1 post surfaced recently, revealing the 10 fastest-depreciating EVs in the US marketplace. Sadly for the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace, used buyer confidence must be low — we won't get into these reasons. Nevertheless, these EVs lose up to 72.5% on average over five years, which resembles a $51,953 difference in MSRP, according to the post. One day in the future, charging hubs might resemble the gas stations of today, though at least gas stations are plentiful. Most EV news hounds will have seen videos of charging station confrontations. One such video posted on X recently shows a skirmish between two Tesla drivers, one accusing the other of line jumping. Of course, these events aren't too common, and most visits to charging hubs will go swimmingly. However, as EV adoption rolls out across the country, we can probably expect to see more people go head-to-head in the pursuit of those sweet kilowatts. The Department of Energy predicts the need for 28 million charging stations by 2030, and the country is nowhere near this projection. What's more, an Axios report confirms that President Trump will be halting Federal spending on the previous administration's costly rollout. There appears to be no shortage of irony as an EV owner, including the fact that you probably cough up more than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle owners. A recent report from AAA unpacks why this is possibly the case. Higher vehicle value, more niche repair procedures, and unique risks like cybersecurity threats all contribute to these costs. What's more, replacing EVs isn't as simple as their analog cousins. Finding a spare part for a limited vehicle fleet makes replacements more expensive. It all makes grim reading for Tesla owners reeling from the recent spate of nationwide vandalism. Even those unaffected will feel the sting. Three out of five Tesla owners will pay an average of $340 increase per year, according to auto insurance firm Guardian Service. In the wise words of Joni Mitchell: 'You don't know what you've got till it's gone.' One must be careful not to just see greener grass across the river if their living situation doesn't allow it. Buying an EV could help you land in motoring Heaven or a logistical nightmare, depending on the approach and conditions. It's pertinent to navigate the real world with this understanding of what to expect. Of course, while these observations may seem anti-EV, this isn't the intention. We just want future EV owners to know what they may have in store. Happy charging.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hertz is selling Maserati SUVs for Toyota RAV4 prices. Here's how many are left
Maserati vehicles are known for stylish exteriors, luxurious interiors, and incredible performance specs. Affordability isn't exactly synonymous with models from the Italian brand. Hertz is offering Maserati's newest SUV model for under $37,000, which is less than a new 2025 Toyota RAV4 Limited. The company is offering some models at extremely discounted rates compared to their actual market value. Is the Grecale worth considering at the prices Hertz is offering? So, why is it surprising that Hertz is selling Maserati Grecale models for under $40,000? The Grecale debuted as a 2023 small luxury SUV with a starting price of a whopping $63,500. While this pricing isn't mind-blowing for a Maserati luxury SUV, it's higher than what average Americans are spending on new cars (around $50,000), according to CNBC. Hertz has 29 Maserati Grecale small luxury SUVs for sale at the time of publishing. The most affordable of these Grecale SUVs starts at just $36,540 with under 29,000 miles according to the company's website. It's a 2023 base model, so it's being sold for slightly under 58% of its original MSRP. That's a depreciation rate of 42% in just a few years with low mileage. Getting a used Maserati Grecale is a great way to enjoy Maserati thrills without paying new Maserati prices. Kelley Blue Book's fair purchase price for a 2023 Maserati Grecale with under 29K miles from a dealer is $38,522. Its typical listing price is $39,222. So, you can score a Maserati Grecale for under market value if Hertz's prices are as advertised when the ink is dry on paperwork. That said, Hertz's Grecale models are located across the country and the company could tack on extra fees to the purchase, so take these prices with a grain of salt and do your own due diligence. At a glance, Hertz is offering the Grecale small luxury SUV for attractive prices, but buyers should still take caution. Kelley Blue Book's typical listing price is a solid benchmark for what the SUV's true market value is. Why has the Grecale depreciated so much in so little time, and is it a good SUV? The 2025 Maserati Grecale starts at $77,900. It uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to produce 325 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The small luxury SUV accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.0 seconds. It achieves 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 miles per gallon on the highway. The Grecale comes standard with all-wheel drive. Maserati's SUV features high-quality cabin materials and over 33 inches of display surfaces. Car and Driver praises the Grecale's "sporty yet comfortable ride ." Maserati's small luxury SUV offers an entry point to Maserati ownership for the average American car buyer. Heavily discounted used models are even more affordable, with a fair market value below the average price of new cars. The Grecale's rate of depreciation isn't uncommon in the luxury SUV vehicle class. So, Hertz's current Grecale offerings could be the perfect opportunity to get behind the wheel of one for interested parties. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Maserati SUVs for sale used, under $40,000, from Hertz Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Think You Can't Afford a Sports Car? These Rides Under $30K Prove You Wrong
For many driving enthusiasts, the desire for a proper sports car runs deeper than a need for speed or status — it's about the experience. And the experience isn't all about power either — a light chassis, mechanical connection, and a soothing exhaust note are more than enough to keep you silly with a smile. Carving corners in a slow, cheap, engaging sports car is far more enjoyable than a quick, watered-down electric vehicle, for example. Unfortunately, in a world dominated by crossovers and SUVs, sports cars have become a luxury few could afford. And since the importance of a spec sheet overshadows that of any subjective factor, 0 to 60 mph times have become more important than a fun driving experience. Fortunately, all hope isn't lost, and driving bliss doesn't have to cost a fortune. If you know where to look, you'll find plenty of affordable sports cars for sale on the used market — all below $30,000. Every car in this list can be found for under $30,000, based on its Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Typical Listing Price. In cases where the KBB value doesn't reflect real-world market conditions, an average price based on is used instead. Entries are limited to traditional compact sports cars with only two doors that prioritize fun over everything else. That means no muscle cars, no hot hatches, and no high-end performance cars like the Porsche 911. And to keep things fair, we're only including one Mazda MX-5 Miata. To ensure these cars are truly meant for driving enthusiasts, we went through dozens of professional reviews from trusted sources, including Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Top Gear, and respected independent reviewers. I know that some may argue that front-wheel-drive sports cars aren't true sports cars. I acknowledge you won't be able to swing the tail around unless you have some sacrificial plastic trays nearby. However, the Prelude Type SH is a blast to drive, just ask Scott Oldham at Car and Driver. Its high-revving naturally aspirated four-banger produces 200 horsepower (hp). It's also the cheapest entry in our article today. There are countless Preludes for sale, some in better condition than others. But KBB reckons the average Type SH model should be listed for about $4,500. Most people who are in the market for an affordable sports car for under $10,000 have checked out the Nissan 350Z. It's rear-wheel-drive, has a powerful V6 engine, and costs pennies on the dime. That said, the 350Z has a more luxurious, mechanical twin, the Infiniti G35. Car and Driver says the 280-hp G35 is just as much fun as the 350Z, but comes with the benefit of rear seats and more cargo space. And of course, the G35 aged much more gracefully than the Z. You should find the average Infiniti G35 listed for just under $6,000. A large chunk of car enthusiasts believe the BMW E46 M3 is the best car of all time. But a high demand results in a high price. With that in mind, why not consider its slightly less powerful brother, the 330Ci? It's worth mentioning that a small handful of individuals, like JayEmm on Cars, go as far as to say it's better than its mighty M3 brother. Like the M3, the 330Ci is rear-wheel-drive and benefits from a healthy straight-six engine with 225 hp. Of course, it won't be as visceral as the M3, but if you're after something a tad more tame, it provides excellent bang for your buck, with the typical 2005 model listed for $6,300. Some TT models came with front-wheel drive, and others came with all-wheel drive. No matter the drivetrain, the TT's 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four and five-speed manual are more than enough to keep you grinning from ear to ear, with Car and Driver's Dworn saying the TT is 'a very cool car that is genuinely fun to drive.' The Audi TT was the perfect choice for those wanting a not-so-serious sports car that just delivers joy. On average, you'll find a 2000 model year TT listed for just over $6,500, according to KBB. The Acura Integra GS-R is one of the most sought-after front-wheel-drive sports cars money can buy. That's exactly why it costs an arm and a leg in today's day and age. Fortunately, you can buy its spiritual successor, the RSX Type S, for a fraction of what an Integra would cost you. According to MotorTrend, the Type S fills the Integra's boots quite well with its 200-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that redlines at 7,900 rpm. KBB reports that you'll find the majority of the RSX Type S models listed for $7,500, The BMW Z3 starred in the 1995 Bond film, GoldenEye. So, not only is it one of the cheapest ways to get behind the wheel of a Bond movie car, but also an affordable way to own an engaging sports car. Edmunds owner reviews praise the Z3 for its handling characteristics, performance, and reliability, especially those fitted with a 193-hp 2.8-liter straight-six. And thanks to depreciation, these classic German sports cars are more affordable than ever, with the typical listing price being $7,700. There's no shortage of used Z3s, but make sure you get one that was properly maintained. In all honesty, you can buy any generation Mazda Miata and rest assured you're driving a true enthusiast sports car without breaking the bank. While the first-generation NA is the cheapest way to get into a Miata, I'd urge you to check out the second-generation NB instead. MotorTrend's Jean Jennings claims it ticks all the boxes the NA does, but comes with less weight and more power at the expense of its pop-up headlights. In some instances, you'll find NB Miatas selling for less than equivalent NA examples, with the average 2004 model listed for nearly $8,200. And of course, with it being a Mazda, you can expect maintenance costs to be affordable too. The Pontiac Solstice is an American performance car that many forgot about. In its top trim level, called the GXP, the Solstice features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 260 hp and 260 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. Car and Driver's Tony Swan called the GXP 'arguably the most engaging entry at the affordable end of the sports-car spectrum'. Listed for $8,300 on average, it provides excellent value for money. But if its exterior styling isn't quite to your taste, you could also consider its mechanical twin, the Saturn Sky Redline, for $1,500 more. The BMW 1M is considered by many to be among the greatest M cars of all time. But as you'd expect, it comes at a premium. Therefore, I'd suggest checking out its slightly subtler brother, 135i. Car and Driver found their test car to do 0 to 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds. Of course, its performance shouldn't come as a massive surprise considering its tiny body and 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six, called the N54. KBB reports that the typical listing price for one of these pocket rockets hovers around $8,500. Although the N54 is one of the less reliable BMW engines, the 135i remains a tempting performance bargain. At its core, the MR2 is Toyota's mid-engined rival to the Mazda Miata. Car and Driver's Barry Winfield said that after spending some time with the MR2 Spyder that its mid-engined layout makes it a vastly different experience from the Miata — but not at the expense of fun. With a curb weight of about 2,200 lbs and 138 hp, it's one of the lightest sports cars in this article. And with used examples typically listed for around $8,500, it's also one of the cheapest ways to get four-wheeled fun. Despite what its badge may have you believe, the Crossfire shares a platform with the R170-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. The Merc would have earned itself a spot in this article, but it's a more serious sports car than the Chrysler. In SRT-6 trim, Car and Driver reports the Crossfire benefits from a 3.2-liter supercharged V6 that produces 325 hp — more than enough to demand your attention. KBB states the average 2006 SRT-6 model is listed for $11,700. But if you don't care for power and only want the eye-catching design, you can find less powerful, base models for significantly cheaper, too. Believe it or not, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a strong contender in the affordable sports car segment. With rear-wheel-drive, a 348-hp V6, and a six-speed manual gearbox, you'll find it's much more fun than you'd think. Edmunds owner reviews corroborate with the majority of them praising its value proposition. You'll find 2016 model year Genesis Coupes, fitted with the 3.8-liter V8, listed at just under $13,000. And because it's not even ten years old, you'll have the benefit of modern tech and safety features. I know this is an oddball, but some driving enthusiasts prefer old cars over anything from the 21st century. While there's a plethora of choices out there, the Porsche 944 is one of the most unique, fun-to-drive cars money can buy. It's such a gem that Car and Driver claimed it was 'the best-handling car in America' in October 1984. Just like all good things, it comes at a premium, unfortunately. KBB did not have an accurate typical listing price for the Porsche 944. Therefore, I found that the average used example listed on was just under $14,000. For some, the Porsche Boxster seems unattainable. Fortunately, the 986-generation Boxster S has depreciated enough for it to be affordable. In S trim, the Boxster comes equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter flat-six that churns out nearly 250 hp. When describing the Boxster, Top Gear said, 'It simply works with you in a deeply satisfying way.' According to KBB, the average 2002 Boxster S is listed for less than $15,000. To make the deal even sweeter, Revolution Porsche Specialists says that the 986 Boxster is generally reliable, but buying one with a full service history is crucial. The latest-generation Mazda Miata is a great value for money sports car. However, it's almost become a cliche at this point. So, if you want to stand out from the crowd, consider the Fiat 124 Spider — an Italian sports car that shares the ND Miata's platform. MotorTrend tested the Abarth variant and found the 124 Abarth wasn't quite as balanced as the Miata, but was a bundle of joy in every other aspect. Instead of a naturally aspirated engine, the 124 utilizes a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that produces 164 hp. You should find used 124 Abarths listed on the market for around $16,500. We've already covered the Nissan 350Z's more refined brother — next in line is its successor, the 370Z. Although Edmunds doesn't love the V6's harsh sound, they're impressed with its 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. And since it's rear-wheel-drive, with most models featuring a stick shift, it adheres to the traditional fun-to-drive sports car recipe. Despite costing about triple the price of an old Infiniti G35, the Nissan 370Z is a big improvement over its predecessor. Therefore, it's still considered affordable, despite its typical listing price of $18,300. Although your heart might yearn for an older BMW M2, I'd recommend taking a deep breath and looking at the M-Lite alternative, the M240i. Sure, it might not have an M badge, but it still offers impeccable performance thanks to its reliable B58 engine. When Car and Driver got behind the wheel, they found the M240i does 0 to 60 mph just 0.3 seconds slower than the equivalent M2 — 4.3 seconds. If you're willing to settle for an M-Lite, you'll find yourself behind the wheel of a compact BMW sports car with 335 hp. Some M240i models came with a six-speed manual, making the driving experience even more engaging. KBB reports that the average 2017 model year M240i is listed for $21,400. Usually, the Lexus brand is only associated with the elderly and those after a fancy Toyota. However, Lexus builds a fun-to-drive sports car every now and then, with the RC being a prime example. Albeit not the bonkers RC F, the RC 350 still packs a decent punch with its 306-hp V6. Car and Driver's K.C. Colwell said the all-wheel-drive RC 350 was engaging and had 'good body control and a well-damped suspension'. Of course, these aren't qualities you necessarily crave from a full-blown driver's car, but it's traits you'd love to have in your daily driver sports car. The typical listing price for a ten-year-old RC 350 is $21,500. Just like its predecessor, the second-generation Subaru BRZ is an affordable, fun-to-drive, stickshift sports car. Car and Driver's Jamie Kitman and Mike Sutton said it improved on its predecessor's shortcomings, while retaining the highlights like its shifter feel and light weight. The BRZ and its near-identical twin, the Toyota GR86, benefit from an upgraded flat-four engine that puts out 228 hp. But for some reason, the average listing price of a used BRZ of $22,500 is $2,000 less than the Toyota GR86. The Honda S2000 is many enthusiasts' dream car. Car and Driver's Larry Webser had an absolute blast behind the wheel of one, explaining that the S2000's magic sits in chasing its 240-hp four-cylinder's high 8,900-rpm redline, and confidence-inspiring handling characteristics. Even Doug DeMuro said the Honda S2000 lives up to its hype, with one of his favorite parts of the S2000 being the shifter. With the Honda S2K being an iconic sports car, they're pretty pricey. The average listing price for one is $22,300 — quite the chunk of change for a 20-year-old Japanese sports car. The 987.2 Cayman S is the best bang-for-your-buck used Porsche sports car money can buy. It might not be as prestigious as a 911, but its 320-hp flat-six will grant you many more smiles than an IMS repair bill on a high-mileage 996. When Car and Driver compared the Cayman S to a C7 Corvette Grand Sport and a Lotus Evora, they crowned the Cayman as the winner, describing it as a combination of 'the hard edges of a pure sports car with the convenience we've come to expect in modern cars'. Despite being more than a decade old, the facelifted 987 Cayman aged like fine wine. Yet, in traditional European sports car fashion, the Cayman has plummeted in value. As a result, the average listing price for a 987.2 Cayman S is less than $30,000. A true sports car isn't defined solely by a spec sheet or a price tag — it's more complicated than that. Performance matters, of course, but different things resonate with different enthusiasts. Some are drawn to a symphonic exhaust noise, others to the satisfaction of shifting their own gears, or the joy of carving canyon roads with the top down. Ironically, these very experiences are what many modern sports cars, with all their technology and hefty price tags, often fail to deliver. And that's exactly why so many driving enthusiasts turn to used sports cars. They're not just more affordable; they're downright more fun.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla's Model Y sales outpaced this model by an 11:1 ratio in Q1. Will Toyota's EV rebrand fare any better?
Sales numbers for the first quarter of 2025 are in — and Tesla's performance might surprise you. While it's no shock that the American electric vehicle giant led the EV market, the extent to which Tesla outpaced its competitors is remarkable. Tesla sold over 11 times as many electric SUVs as Toyota, according to a new sales report compiled by Kelley Blue Book. Why is Tesla's electric SUV outselling Toyota's model by such a large margin? Here's how the two electric SUVs compare and how Toyota intends to reinvigorate its EV nameplate. The 2025 Tesla Model Y starts at $44,990. It has a top speed of 125 miles per hour and accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.4 seconds. The Model Y small electric SUV has a whopping 357 miles of driving range in its base form. Tesla's Model Y All-Wheel Drive starts at $48,990. It zooms from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.6 seconds. Toyota's bZ4X is the Japanese automaker's first small electric SUV model for the American market in recent years. The bZ4X entered the great EV race after the arrival of several popular rivals including the Model Y, Volkswagen ID.4. Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The 2025 Toyota bZ4X starts at $37,070. Unlike the Model Y, it does not currently qualify for the federal electric vehicle tax incentive. That said, Toyota offers an EV incentive for leasing the bZ4X. It has a top speed of 104 miles per hour (all-wheel drive trim) and accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in around 6.5 seconds. The bZ4X comes in three trims and has 252 miles of driving range. Upper trim level bZ4X models have slightly less driving range. The Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X may both be electric SUVs, but they are very different. They have completely different design languages and Toyota's model falls short in several areas. Both small electric SUVs have starting prices under $38K when you account for the EV tax incentive. The main differences are performance specs and cabin design. The Model Y has 102 more miles of driving range than the Toyota bZ4X, which is no small figure in terms of range. Additionally, the Tesla Supercharger Network is one of the largest EV charging networks in the world. The Tesla Model Y is capable of replenishing 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes via a Tesla Supercharger. The Model Y is quicker than the bZ4X, it has more driving range, and it has a more refined interior. U.S. News & World Reported cited "down-market cabin materials" as one of the three bZ4X cons listed in its review. In contrast, the publication praised the Model Y for its "loads of passenger and cargo space, thrilling acceleration, and deft handling". The bZ4X nameplate may not have been a huge success for the company, but it still has a role to play in the EV space, thanks to a major upgrade. Toyota is completely rebranding the bZ4X nameplate as the Toyota bZ, a redesigned EV with more driving range and design updates. Toyota is addressing the main issues that car buyers have with the bZ (formerly bZ4X) with better performance specs. Its driving range is getting a huge bump to 314 miles. It also boasts up to 50% more horsepower on all-wheel drive models (338 combined system net horsepower), according to Toyota's press release. Standard NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, giving it access to Tesla chargers Quicker charging time (10%-80% in close to 30 minutes with DC fast-charging) Updated interior and exterior styling So, Toyota's bZ4x electric SUV may not pose a major threat to the Tesla Model Y, but the upcoming bZ could give it a run for its money. It is expected to hit dealers in the second half of 2025, according to Toyota. No pricing information is available at this time, but the EV will not be eligible for the federal electric vehicle tax incentive. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tesla outpaced Toyota sales 11:1 in Q1. Will bZ4X rebrand fare better?
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
New car prices are rising; here's where to get the best deal
Unfortunately for new car buyers, 2025 has been a seller's market. For the past few years, dealers have been working through a backlog of inventory, relying on deals and low prices to help move cars. Supply chain and demand issues during the pandemic reversed a decades-long decline in U.S. car inventory that lasted until summer 2024, according to U.S. Bureau of Economics data. Related: Elon Musk fulfills a promise he recently made to Tesla investors Since last summer, inventory has dropped, while prices have leveled off after rising sharply for two years during Covid. However, that changed this year, as the world geared up for the trade war U.S. President Donald Trump was getting ready to launch. The 25% tariff on auto imports went into effect April 3, right when the spring car buying season normally starts racing, according to Kelley Blue Book. Since then, there have been production disruptions, and inventory has started piling up at ports, where importers refuse to offload vehicles due to the taxes that will immediately be imposed. Unfortunately for car buyers, the auto tariffs were applied under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act and are not subject to the recent ruling that Trump's reciprocal tariffs overstepped his authority. So the duties will remain in place for the foreseeable future. But price relief for new car buyers could be just around the corner. Image source:Different car manufacturers have had different responses to the tariffs. Mitsubishi said earlier that it will hold its vehicles in port for the foreseeable future. Domestic producers like Ford and General Motors have said that they support the White House tariff efforts, but that it will be costly for them as well. "In the absence of material changes to the tariff policy as articulated to date, we anticipate the need to make vehicle pricing adjustments in the future, which is expected to happen with May production," Ford executive Andrew Frick told employees in a recent memo. Related: Toyota moves production of popular US sedan to Britain Meanwhile, April was a tough month for car buyers. "New-vehicle affordability declined in April to the worst level yet this year, as the bite of higher prices and lower incentives turned around an improving trend," said Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke. "After steady improvements in affordability throughout 2025, we saw a significant setback in April with median weeks of income needed to buy an average new vehicle increasing by a full week." Consumers these days are far more price sensitive now than they were during the pandemic, according to KBB, so the firm expects car shoppers "may soon join the [Federal Reserve] in waiting to see what happens," according to Smoke. According to Kelley Blue Book, the best time to go shopping for a vehicle is at the end of the month, when dealerships are facing more pressure to move inventory. This is also true for the end of the quarter and end of the year. Moving inventory becomes more important to dealerships during these intervals, so finding a good deal should be easier. You can also get a good deal on a new car by buying the outgoing year's model vehicle or waiting for seasonal sales deals like for Labor Day and Memorial Day. Related: Ford could take drastic measures to combat tariffs, leaked memo says The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
