A mention of the Toyota Camry is not usually accompanied by excitement. Sure, a ton of them are sold each year, and people view it as a safe and reliable vehicle for family travels and getting from point A to point B, but it’s not a ride that people are generally thrilled to get behind the wheel of.
To change that perception, though, let me introduce the Toyota Camry TRD, a model that soups up the traditional family vehicle to appeal to driving enthusiasts. I recently spent time behind the wheel of a 2021 Camry TRD, and I’m back with a full report.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2021 Toyota Camry TRD
- Price as tested $34,207
- Best feature TRD power and styling, safety and reliability
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Drivers seeking a sedan with both traditional Toyota safety and reliability, and a TRD power boost
One of the biggest headaches from vehicle owners is the dreaded warning lights that let you know something is wrong, but not exactly what is wrong. That usually leads to a trip to the mechanic, paying an inspection fee, and then what it costs to repair the offending system.
However, there are tools available to help people who do not want to rely on an outside opinion, and have the savvy to do some repairs themselves.
One concern has generally been the high cost of such diagnostic equipment, but there are some products that are emerging which have a much more reasonable cost.
One such product that DIY mechanics can pick up is the Topdon ArtiDiag500 (AD500), which I recently had the chance to test out. With a price under $200, this item can pay for itself very quickly by removing the step of getting to a mechanic and seeking outside diagnosis.
When the word hybrid comes up, it’s generally associated with efficiency and strong fuel mileage, but rarely is paired with the word fun.
One vehicle trying to change that is the Lexus NX 300h, a luxurious compact crossover hybrid that has the rare combination of being a ride you can enjoy driving while also appreciating its looks and green credentials.
A brand new redesign is coming for 2022, but for now I tested the 2021 model of the NX 300h, and I’m back with a full report.
Additional Info
- Vehicle Lexus NX 300h
- Price as tested $48,745 (starts around $40K)
- Best feature Sharp styling, safety features, fuel mileage, enjoyable drive for a hybrid
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Hybrid crossover buyers seeking a responsive, smooth and high-end ride
Compact, nimble and affordable.
Those are the three words that best describe the 2021 Hyundai Venue, a relatively new subcompact SUV offering (it debuted in 2020) that’s a strong fit for city dwellers and those who don’t want or need a larger vehicle.
I recently spent time in a Venue and I’m back with a full report on how it stacks up to the growing number of mini-SUVs on the market right now.
Additional Info
- Vehicle 2021 Hyundai Venue (Denim Edition)
- Price as tested $23,380 (starts at $19K)
- Best feature Affordable, somewhat roomy for the segment, nimble
- Rating 4 out of five stars
- Who will want this vehicle? Folks looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient, smaller vehicle who want something a bit larger than a sedan.
Without a properly functioning battery, the vehicles we drive, on land or on the water, can put us in some difficult situations. The best way to avoid these concerns, in addition to proper overall vehicle maintenance, is to have the tools to test battery life to remove any doubts about their capabilities and lifespan.
For a very reasonable cost, there are products available to the everyday person, whether they are DIY mechanics or just regular vehicle owners, that can help ease they mind and limit worries about being stranded due to battery issues. It’s also not a bad idea to have a tool like this available in your vehicle if you do get stranded, as it can help diagnose your problem, and it is also an affordable option for garage owners who regularly test batteries.
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