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MARK MAYNARD

The celebratory spirit of Americas great auto shows

returned to Motor City this year, said Karl Brauer, se-nior analyst at Kelley Blue Book.

The ongoing Detroit auto show fully titled the NorthAmerican International Auto Show feels very retro, be-

cause it has debuted a series of big, brash, unapologeticconcept cars and production models, he said.

The bold nature of the show cars reflects growing opti-

mism in the automotive marketplace, Brauer said. U.S.

automakers are feeling particularly confident in theircurrent and future financial outlooks, which is quite a

change from where they were in 2010, he said.

Buick has revisited the past and applied it to the fu-ture with its Avenir concept, which will be on view at the

show through next Sunday. The big, four-seat sedan has

some provenance from the 1938 Buick Y-Job, created by

the brash and arrogant Harley Earl. The Y-Jobs aircraft-influenced styling was perhaps the most dramatic styling

exercise to arise from the war years of American history.

The Avenir (French for future) blends exploratory

styling with advanced technology to probe new direc-tions for Buick, the company says.

Buick, under the design leadership of Harley Earl,

created the industrys first concept vehicle and for more

than 75 years each new Buick concept has pushed thebrand forward and influenced the industry through great

design, said Ed Welburn, vice president of General Mo-

tors Global Design.

While not a flamboyant concept, the Avenir appears tohave realistic proportions that would be seen in a pro-

duction model. A new grille design (recalling the 1954

Wildcat II concept) puts a new face on the brand, said Mi-chael Simcoe, vice president of design, GM International

Operations. The Avenir concept is 7.5 inches longer than

Buicks largest car, the LaCrosse, and 3 inches wider.

Flowing interior surfaces were inspired by nature and

sea waves receding on a beach. The motif is imprinted on

the seats and other trim components even the carpet.

The Avenir is a sculpted design with a lot of snap inthe character lines with a classic long and low propor-

tion, said Simcoe. Its length enables exceptional spa-

ciousness inside, but just as importantly, a presence that

speaks to luxury and the importance of style. In short,its the befitting proportion for a Buick flagship.

Heres a look at five of the most influential concepts

that advanced Buicks design, driver technology or pow-ertrain technology:

Y-Job, 1938Developed by Harley Earl, GMs first design chief, the Y-

Job was designed solely to gauge the publics response to

the innovative styling and features rather than foreshad-owing a new production model. It previewed features that

would become common throughout the industry, such as

power windows, flush-mounted door handles, disappear-

ing headlamps and a concealed convertible top.

Wildcat Series, 1953-55, 1985The Wildcat series of concept vehicles pushed the

brands design language forward and showcased inno-

vative technologies. The first 1953 Wildcat concept was

a fiberglass two-seater with four-wheel disc brakes. Thesmaller and sportier 1954 Wildcat II and 1955 Wildcat III

showcased elongated front fender openings.

The futuristic 1985 Wildcat concept was made of fiber-

glass and carbon fiber. Instead of traditional doors, it hada canopy that raised and lowered to allow access for two

passengers. Behind the cabin and driving all four wheels

was an engine based on the Buick 3.8-liter V-6.

Riviera Silver Arrow III, 1972Designed by Bill Mitchell, the Silver Arrow III was

based on the third-generation Riviera, but with bolder

design that showcased technologies such as four-wheel

anti-lock brakes and a traction control system. The plushinterior of the Silver Arrow III had adjustable pedals and

telescoping steering wheel, which eliminated the need

for fore-aft driver seat movement.

Centieme, 2003French for 100th, the Centieme was introduced in

Buicks centenary year. The three-row seating configura-

tion influenced the Enclave crossover that debuted about

four years later.

Velite, 2004Designed in Warren, Michigan, and built by renowned

coachbuilder Bertone in Italy, Velite was named after an

elite class of soldiers in Napoleons army. Portholes onthe front fenders and a rear deck contoured in a boat-tail

shape evoke Buicks of the past.

COPYRIGHT 2015 THE U-T SAN DIEGODISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS.COM

Creators.com photo courtesy of BuickFlowing interior surfaces were inspired by nature and sea

waves receding on a beach. The motif is imprinted on the seatsand other trim components -- even the carpet.

CELEBRATORY SPIRITBuick debuts Avenir concept and revisits 5 past influential designs

7/23/2019 Vroom Fall 2015

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V2 CADILLAC NEWS | TRUSTED. LOCAL. CONNECTED 775-NEWS (6397) www.cadillacnews.com | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2015

KRISTEN CASTILLO

These days, auto recalls are a big con-

cern for drivers. For example, a recent air-bag recall affects 1 in 7 cars on the road.

Its not just air bags, either; recalls can be

for a number of defects, including electri-

cal problems, steering issues, brakes andother safety concerns.

Over the years, the National Highway

Traffic Safety Administration has forcedmanufacturers to recall a variety of ve-

hicles and equipment. NHTSA issues a re-

call when a vehicle, equipment, car seat,

or tire creates an unreasonable safetyrisk or fails to meet minimum safety stan-

dards.

In 2014, NHTSA issued 803 recalls affect-

ing 63.9 million vehicles. There were 81 re-calls for equipment, affecting 2.2 million

vehicles, as well as 13 tire recalls affecting

368,720 tires.

A recall is a very specific designation,not to be confused with technical service

bulletins or what automakers call custom-

er convenience campaigns or some othertwist, says Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.coms

executive editor. Even though it could

be argued that some of these campaigns

should be recalls, the word recall meansthe National Highway Traffic Safety Ad-

ministration or the manufacturer itself

has declared it as such.

The manufacturer must fix the problemby repair, replacement, refund or (in rare

cases) repurchasing the vehicle.

A true recall is, by definition, safety

related, says Wiesenfelder. Its always afree repair.

He says manufacturers are required tonotify owners within 60 days of the recallannouncement. If the car is registered, an

owner should receive notification by mail.

Drivers should make sure their vehicles

are registered and that the manufacturerhas their current contact information,

especially a mailing address.

Get It Fixed!Consumer Reports, a nonprofit orga-

nization, cites the statistic from Carfax

that 36 million cars on the road have un-

completed recall work. According to a 2012

NHTSA-sponsored survey, between 21 and

25 percent of the problems covered by re-

call notices from 2006 to 2010 werent fixed.Its important for consumers to get the

recalls fixed, since leaving the vehicles

unrepaired could result in road hazards.

The worst case is the driver is at risk

of harm, or harming others, says Wi-

esenfelder. Even if its something less

critical, the owner could spend money

repairing a clearly broken item that the

manufacturer would be paying for if the

owner were aware of the recall.

While new cars cant be sold with un-

repaired recalls, theres no law requiring

used cars to be fixed before being resold.

I suspect efforts like these will con-

tinue; whenever theres a high-profile

recall and associated congressional hear-

ing, lawmakers raise this issue, says

Wiesenfelder. NHTSA has also becomemuch bolder in the past two years, so

there will be pressure from that end.

New Recall NotifcationA new NHTSA mandate aims to get con-

sumers attention about the importance

of recalls. Now manufacturers must use

a distinctive label when notifying vehicle

owners about recalls. That way the mail

wont be mistakenly thrown out, recycled

or mistaken for junk mail. The message

on the new label? Important Safety Re-

call Information, written in red.

NHTSA even has SaferCar apps for

Android and Apple devices, providing

consumers with free access to important

information about recalls and vehiclesafety. Owners can also submit safety

complaints via the apps.

Drivers can sign up online for NHTSA

email notifications, or they can check

SaferCar.gov to complete a recall search.

They can enter a cars make, model and

year and then read up on the vehicles

history including complaints, investi-

gations, service bulletins and recalls.

Another option is to do a search for the

vehicle identification number on Safer-

Car.gov. Owners simply enter their cars

17-digit VINs to see whether any recalls

exist for their vehicles.

COPYRIGHT 2015 CREATORS.COM

ROAD HAZARDWhat to do if your vehicle is affected by a recall

Creators.com photo courtesy of Fiat Chrysler AutomobilesOver 63 million vehicles were recalled in 2014. Recent buybacks following a recall include Fiat Chrysler

Automobiles Ram 1500.

CHELLE CORDERO

Buying a new car is expensive.

Buyers can get mired in debt even

before driving the car out of the

showroom. And those eye-catchingadd-ons make a consumer drool for

the latest and greatest. Is it wiser

to just say no, or are some of those

temptations actually must-haves?According to a recent report by

Consumer Reports, there are op-

tions that are absolutely worth

the expense and other options that are less desirable.Consumer Reports advises thorough research before

purchasing gesture/character recognition on touch

screens; iPod/iPad/HDMI audio/video adapter (Blue-tooth adapters are often more versatile); CD/DVD player

and rear entertainment systems (iPods and many smart-

phones offer music and movie capabilities); start-stop

systems turn the engine off at stoplights to save gas (thegas savings is minimal); built-in navigation (most smart-

phones offer up-to-date navigation); car-based Wi-Fi

(most cellphone plans offer mobile hot spots without an

additional data subscription); turbochargers (they dontshow a proven record of a fuel economy, but they can

increase repair and maintenance costs); optional cooled

seats (this is a preference); and lane-keeping assist (this

is instead of the lane-departure alerts, which allow thedriver to retain full control).

Dealers often try to sell features such as undercoating,

fabric protection and paint protection. New cars come

with a clear-coat finish, which protects the paint andhelps to keep it from fading; if the car is already a few

years old, then cheap do-it-yourself paint protection can

be applied like a wax. Mike Quincy, a Consumer ReportsAuto Test Center specialist in Connecticut says, Most

carmakers advise against waxing or sealing the paint on

a new car.

In the 1990s, GM told customers that undercoating

wasnt vital and could actually void

warranties. Todays cars are typi-

cally using less steel (translating

to less rust) and already have rust-proofing applied. Unless you are

driving gravel-ridden or heavilysalted roads, most cars will stand

up to the ride without additional

undercoating; however, if your conditions indicate the

need, make sure that you use a reputable company as animproperly done job can cause more damage than no un-

dercoating. If you will be using your car for transporting

pets, fabric protection is helpful, but you can use over-

the-counter spray protection for a few dollars per can.Extended warranties need to be thoroughly investi-

gated before making a decision. The Better Business

Bureau published a document in 2011 about the vehicle

service contract industry. Often misrepresented as ex-

tended warranties, the service contract is most often a

third-party agreement to cover maintenance and ba-sic repairs. The contract can be insured by yet another

party to guarantee coverage. A warranty is offered by

the manufacturer and included in the purchase price. If

considering a service contract, it is wise to know whothe provider and the insurer are (as well as their home

states), exactly what is and is not covered, who has to

make repairs, what parameters are used to qualify cov-

erage (does it void coverage if you change your own oil,etc.), and cancellation and refund procedures.

Some options recommended by Consumer Reports in-

clude driver-side power memory seats for multiple driv-ers, forward and rear collision-warning systems, backup

cameras, blind-spot monitoring, Bluetooth connectivity,

dual-zone climate control, heated seats, keyless entry, au-

tomatic high beams and a spare tire.


VALUE VERSUS FRIVOLITYPurchasing the best car options

Creators.com photo courtesy ofRandy Stern

A touch screen can be a distraction fordrivers.

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JEANELLE D. HORCASITAS

Before you even think about pressing your foot on thegas pedal, you always remember to buckle up. Proper

seat belt safety is consistently advised for all drivers

when it comes to protecting themselves and other pas-

sengers from the impact of an accident. But what aboutair bags? Are they effective in protecting you, as well? Al-

though we acknowledge the presence of air bags in our

cars, what do we know about them?

The primary reason we forget about the air bags inour cars is that theyre hidden: out of sight, out of mind.

Typically, the air bags we know about are the ones locat-

ed on the drivers side at the center of the steering wheeland on the passengers side inside of the dashboard.

However, according to Takata.com, air bags can be found

almost everywhere in your car. For example, side air

bags within the seat, curtain air bags above the side win-dows, and even knee air bags at the front of the driver

and passenger seats. Who knew your car was holding so

much protection?

Although some cars come fully loaded with air bagsthat offer extra safety, not everyone is convinced. In

fact, there have been instances where air bags actually

caused more harm than good in accidents. Unfortunate-

ly, air bags have been known to cause injury, primarilybecause of the position the person is in when the air

bags deploy. Some of the possible injuries include: bruis-

ing, whiplash, concussion and harm to the chest. How-

ever, there are ways to prevent some of these issues fromhappening.

According to CarsDirect.com, safety advocates rec-

ommend against individuals under 12 riding in a frontseat with airbags. Also, drivers are cautioned against

placing rear-facing infant seats in the front seat with an

airbag. Moreover, CarsDirect.com advises that adultssit 10 to 12 inches away from the steering wheel to allevi-

ate some of the impact from the air bag if it is deployed;

this goes for the passengers distance to the dashboard,as well. However, wearing your seat belt at all times is

the No. 1 preventive action you can take.

Even though air bags can cause a few bangs and bruis-

es in an accident, they can also save your life. In a reportby the United States Department of Transportation, sta-

tistics have shown that seat belts and air bags have sig-

nificantly increased driver safety over the years. In the

report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-tion reports that more than 28,000 lives have been saved

by air bags in the United States. Therefore, air bags

clearly have proved that despite some of the pushback

they receive for potential harm, they are ultimately in-valuable sources of support when it comes to protecting

drivers and passengers from life-threatening accidents.

However, our world is constantly changing. As a result,

the technology in our cars is getting more and more so-phisticated, and this includes our air bags. In a review

by Edmunds.coms Ronald Montoya, he reports some of

the advances made in air bag technology. For example,the Chevrolet Sonic has 10 air bags located in the car.

Wow, that is some serious protection! Additionally, Ford

has developed the inflatable air bag seat belt. Wearing

your seat belt and having air bags is already a plus -- butthe two-in-one is an even bigger bonus. Finally, General

Motors has created the flexible venting air bag, which

deflates or vents a small amount when pressed by an

individuals forward motion; this was developed in an ef-fort to reduce the risk of injury.

Today cars have become so advanced that they can

practically drive themselves (and some do). There are

cameras installed in the front and back to help you parkbetter. There is a warning sound that goes off when you

are getting too close to a curb or another car. The car willeven stop itself altogether if youre too preoccupied to

see the cute little squirrel scampering across the road.Were still working on getting flying cars but I do not

think its too far from our grasp.

With the constant production of new technologies be-ing integrated into our world and cars, who knows what

the future of air bags will be? The main concern is safety.

So remember to buckle up, and know that youre being

doubly protected with the help of a few air bags ready togo if things get a little rocky.


Creators.com photo courtesy of Pineapple FezAir bags can be found in many places in your car.

UNDERSTANDING AIR BAGSDespite some bad press, air bags save lives

CHELLE CORDERO

So often nowadays it seems as if our

purchases become obsolete as soon as we

finish paying for them and sometimeseven before. When you are driving an old-

er car, any need to replace parts feels like

beginning a major quest or mission. Parts

do wear and belts do crack, but it seems ashame to ditch old reliable for want of

a headlight.J.D. Power and Associates released a list

of the 10 most replaced automotive mech-anisms within three years of ownership

(assuming these are newer-model cars).

These include: fuses, door handles and

locks, remote keyless entry, spark plugs,headlight components, tire pressure mon-

itoring systems, windshields, brake ro-

tors, exterior light bulbs (not headlights)and car batteries.

Depending on the year and model of the

car, some other frequent replacements

could include automatic transmission orclutch; shocks and struts; mufflers; water

pump; fuel pump and alternators; brake

calipers, wheel cylinders and master cyl-

inders; belts; and tires. Carburetors, now

replaced by fuel injection systems, were

common on cars well into the 1990s. New-

er cars run with the help of an electronicignition and computer (the brain), but the

muscle cars from a generation ago relied

on points and condensers to get those en-

gines firing.To keep your car running longer and

expenses lower, make sure you keep a

regular maintenance schedule. These

are maintenance tasks and tips that willhelp stave off more costly repairs and

problems: Change oil and filters regularly.

If you have a mechanic replace parts, besure to ask for the old parts back to en-

sure it was done. Let your mechanic know

everything you see, hear, feel, smell and

record when symptoms occur so an ac-curate diagnosis can be made. Keep your

tires properly inflated, and make sure

the tread is adequate. Let your mechanic

diagnose the problem, but learn how todo simple repairs yourself. Dont ignore

growing and obvious problems. And keep

your car fueled.

Whether you are driving a family favor-ite thats been around for generations or

restoring a classic, finding the right part

is necessary to keep on rolling. But what

happens when the part you need is no lon-

ger made? Where do you begin looking forthe parts you need to keep your car on the

road instead of it becoming an eyesore in

the driveway?

First, make sure you know how to diag-nose and repair your vehicle. You can find

multiple sites online where you can down-

load car repair manuals that often go back

decades and even feature several discon-tinued brands. A few of these helpful sites

include http://free-auto-repair-manuals.

com, http://justgivemethedamnmanual.com and http://www.manualslib.com.

These sites will allow you to search by

brand, model or specific keywords. You

have to register with them, but AutoZonealso offers free vehicle repair guides. In

the unusual event that you cant find the

specific manual you need, then you can

query at paid sites such as eBay or somebookstores.

Options for finding elusive parts may in-

clude contacting the manufacturer direct-

ly (if they still exist) or visiting junkyards,where you will often have to do the search

and pull it yourself. If you are restoring

a classic or show-quality vehicle, you will

want to use OEM (original equipment

manufacturer) parts whenever possible --be sure to ask at the dealership where you

purchased the vehicle whether they still

carry parts for it. If you are simply repair-

ing the car to keep it on the road for use,you can often save money and find after-

market replacement parts through your

general auto parts stores (which may also

carry OEM parts). Many of these chainstores do maintain inventory for popular

and even outdated models, and they often

communicate and cooperate to get theparts where they are needed.

Finally, you can do your own junkyard

search at sites like http://car-part.com

and in the online catalog at http://www.rockauto.com, or search through Google

for the part you need. Many mechanic

shops also have resources to get some

of those not-so-common older pieces.Though usually not inexpensive, when all

else fails, look for sales of the same model

vehicle and use parts from each to make

the necessary repairs to have one fullyrunning vehicle.


DISCONTINUED BUT NOT EXTINCTKeeping tabs on old reliable and all its parts

7/23/2019 Vroom Fall 2015

4/6

JEANELLE D. HORCASITAS

Getting into a car acci-dent is always a stressful

situation. First, there is

the initial blow from the

collision, then the nervousor angry exchange of in-

surance information, and,

finally, weeks of working

with your insurance pro-vider to get your car fixed.

Could it get any worse than

that? Unfortunately, yes,

it could. Its called gettingdinged and ditched.

So, what exactly does it

mean to get dinged andditched? Well, imagine tak-

ing a quick trip to the store,

and, upon your return to

your car, you notice a largedent has appeared that

youre positive did not exist

before. As you examine the

damage, you then frantical-ly search for a note lodged

between the window and

windshield wiper, hoping

to find some sort of expla-nation, apology or, more

importantly, insurance in-

formation. After you dou-ble and triple-check every

nook and cranny on your

car for a note, you make the

upsetting conclusion thatthe person who damaged

your car did not leave you

a note. The perpetrator un-

apologetically committeda ding and ditch -- and so

youre left to wonder: what

happens next?Although every circum-

stance differs from one

another, here are a few tips

to keep in mind if you ever

find yourself dinged andditched:

Dont panic! Thank good-

ness you were not in thecar when the car was

hit. However, the stress

of dealing with the dam-

age without someoneto blame can be just as

upsetting. Therefore, do

your best to calmly as-

sess the damage done toyour car and prepare for

some investigating.

If there are people, secu-

rity guards or camerasnearby, follow up to find

out whether or not they

noticed the car that mayhave hit yours. The more

details you can gather,

the better. Additionally,

take pictures of your carand estimate the time you

were away from your car,

and the time you found

your car in the damagedcondition. All of this in-

formation is crucial for

building the claim for

your insurance provider. According to Insurance-

Hotline.com, visiting

your local collision re-

porting center will helpyou organize each detail

(witnesses, pictures, li-

cense plate numbers,etc.) into a report that

will be useful in the next

steps.

Make a police report andfile a claim. Although

there are no culprits

present, it is extremely

important that you filea police report. In fact, a

filed police report is often

required by insurance

providers when submit-ting a new claim. Addi-

tionally, the information

you provide to the policecould even assist them in

finding the person who

hit you in the first place.

What if the police neveridentify the culprit? Ac-

cording to InsuranceHot-line.com, the claim will

be paid to you from the

collision section of your

cars insurance policy.However, if you do not

have collision coverage,

you may not be covered to

get your car fixed. There-fore, it is best to check the

details of your insurance

policy before it happens.

What if they do nd theone who dinged and

ditched? Well, youre in

luck! You wont have tofret about whether or not

the collision stipulation

is covered in your insur-

ance policy, because theprocess will become a

familiar one from here

on out. Typically, in this

case, the damage will becovered through the di-

rect compensation sec-

tion of your insurance

policy.

Every insurance pro-

vider is different. With

that in mind, dont waituntil youve been dinged

and ditched to find out

if youre covered or not.

Dont allow a lousy situ-

ation to turn into a lousy

outcome. Get in touchwith a representative

from your insurance pro-

vider today and find out

where youre protectedand where youre not.

Getting dinged and

ditched is a bummer, and

unfortunately, there are

no guaranteed ways to pre-

vent it (unless you decide

to never drive again). How-ever, like most people, driv-

ing is what gets you where

you need to go. Driving and

even just parking your carwhile you run a quick er-

rand can make you vulner-

able to accidents. However,

in situations where you

find yourself dinged and

ditched without a note,

remember to take a deepbreath, assess the situation

calmly and carefully, and

follow some of the steps

above to help the processalong and get your car fixed

sooner rather than later.

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SIMONE SLYKHOUS

When theres something

strange in your neighborhood,who you gonna call? Ghost-

busters! And how are they gonna

arrive? In a 1959 Cadillac Miller-

Meteor hearse, of course. TheEcto-1, better known simply asthe Ghostbusters car, is so dis-

tinctive that it has been stuck in

the minds of the viewing publiclike, well, ectoplasm.

Superfan Loren Baldwin even

went so far as to create an almost

exact replica of the vehicle. Withlocal automotive businesses be-

hind him, Baldwin estimates

that the total cost of repairs andreplication was over $100,000.

Though it had an original sug-

gested retail price of $10,000 to

$12,000 by the manufacturer, the

current value of the 59 Cadillacis running at $30,000 minimum.

If thats too steep a price, Hot

Wheels sells a replica that is one-eighth the size of the original for

about $250.

The Ecto-1 isnt the only on-

screen car to park itself in theAmerican psyche. If you ever

need to run away from terrorists

at 88 miles per hour, theres only

one car for you. The 1981 DeLo-

rean DMC-12, made famous fromBack to the Future, still looks

futuristic, with its stainless-steel

body and gull-wing doors. Andthough it doesnt come standard

with a flux capacitor, it does have

the power to transport you, Mar-

ty McFly and Doc Brown to the80s. There were only about 9,000

original DMC-12s built, and theasking prices today are between

$30,000 and $55,000.Another iconic car from the

1980s is almost as famous as its

driver. Knight Industries TwoThousand, also known as KITT,

was a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am

sports car with artificial intelli-

gence owned by Michael Knighton the popular show Knight

Rider. In the TV series, Knight

(David Hasselhoff) was able to

use the self-aware KITT to do in-credible stunts with its laser pow-

erpack, oil jets, grappling hook

and more. At Carsforsale.com,the 82 Pontiac is valued at about$8,000. Adding a flamethrower or

a ride with The Hoff will cost a

bit extra.

More than 80 years after its

production, the 1932 Ford ModelB is still coveted because of its

starring role in George Lucas1973 film, American Graffiti.

Set in 1962, the film centered on a

group of friends cruising around

town the night before they head-ed off to college. And thereafter,

the hot-rod street racing life-

style was immortalized. CarsOn Line has multiple listings for

a souped-up Deuce coupe for

about $42,500.

If youre a good ol boy, nevermeanin no harm, gettin in

trouble with the law, then a 1969Dodge Charger might be your

ride of choice. The constantly

airborne Charger on The Dukesof Hazzard, also known as the

General Lee, helped cousinsBo and Luke get out of many a

scrap with the police in Hazzard

County. With its characteristic

paint job -- orange body, 01 onthe doors and controversial Con-

federate flag on the roof this

muscle car knows how to make

a scene. ClassicCars.com has list-ings for faux General Lees, rang-

ing from $30,000 to about $150,000.

Speaking of lawbreaking, thevehicle used as a mobile methlab by Walter White and Jesse

Pinkman on Breaking Bad

now lives on in infamy. The 1986Fleetwood Bounder RV is an un-

expected villainous vehicle, con-

juring more images of family

vacations and friendly road tripsthan gang shootouts and missing

pants. One of the RVs used on

the show now lives on the Sony

Pictures lot, so if the price tag of$4,000 to $8,000 is too much, a $40

studio tour could appease your

cravings.

Last but not least, one of themost ubiquitous cars on screen

is the Batmobile. Lasting 50

years with numerous incar-nations the Batmobile still

aids in the care and keeping of

Gotham. Batman the TV se-

ries had Adam West as BruceWayne/Batman driving around

in a 1955 Lincoln Futura concept

car, bought from Ford for $1 and

other valuable consideration.It was sold in 2013 for $4.2 mil-

lion. Nice profit. The style of the

car changed dramatically when

Batman moved from the televi-

sion screen to the silver screen.Tim Burtons sleek and darker

version of the Caped Crusaders

car was custom-built on a Chev-rolet Impala chassis. This darker

tone was further explored in the

Dark Knight trilogy, with the

title character driving a Tumbler

from Wayne Enterprises. Thiscross between a Lamborghini

and a tank could smash through

buildings with agility and speed,much like Batman.


Creators.com photo courtesy of Shawn PerezThe Ecto-1 remains one of the most iconic on-screen cars.

GREAT SCOTT!Iconic cars in TV and movie history

DINGED AND DITCHEDWhat to do if your car is the victim of a hit-and-run

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CATHERINE MCNULTY

Hybrids arent the flying cars so many

of us thought wed have by the time we

grew up, but theyre still pretty cool. A

hybrid is a car that runs on both gasolineand electricity. The Toyota Prius was the

first mass-produced hybrid car, which

became available in the United States in

2000. The promise of it being good for the

environment coupled with fewer trips to

the gas station and tax breaks made it im-

mediately popular. Other car manufactur-

ers followed suit, and we are currently in

the midst of a hybrid vehicle boom. Even

Lexus has gotten into the game with a

fleet of luxury hybrids.

If youre in the market for a new or a

new to you car, it makes sense to consid-

er a hybrid. Think of all the money and

time youll save by not having to go to the

gas station! Think of the tax refund youmight qualify for! You could use the HOV

lanes! But just because a car is deemed

better for the environment doesnt mean

its a better-built machine. What should

you look for when buying a hybrid, espe-

cially when buying a used hybrid?

As with any car, consider what works

best for you and your lifestyle and your

bank account. When buying used, be sure

to get the car thoroughly inspected and

ask for the maintenance records. A well-

maintained car is less likely to have ma-

or problems. If youre buying through a

used-car buying service such as CarMax

or at a dealership, then the car will come

pre-inspected. If you are buying indepen-

dently, take the car to a mechanic you

trust. If your mechanic isnt well versedin hybrids, its time to get a new mechanic.

Hybrids retain their value more than

almost any other vehicle currently on the

market. Rising gas prices and environ-

mental consciousness have made them de-

sirable. Because so many have been sold,

there is a robust market of secondhand

hybrids. Expect to pay more for a used hy-

brid than you would a traditional vehicle.

Do used hybrids have specific problems

you should be aware of? They do, but they

also have benefits.

One of the most expensive and feared

things to replace in a hybrid is the battery.

When buying a new hybrid, the battery

comes with a manufacturers warranty,

usually eight years or 100,000 miles. But

when buying used you may not get that.Battery replacement can cost anywhere

from a thousand dollars to over six thou-

sand depending on the cars make and

model. So how do you know whether the

battery is still good?

A well-trained mechanic can check the

battery packs to see where the battery is

in its lifespan. What most people dont

realize is hybrids have two batteries. The

battery pack that runs the car and a stan-

dard 12-volt automotive battery to power

onboard electronics like the radio and in-

terior lighting.

When hybrids first came on the market,

many consumers were uncomfortable

with the battery. Rumors persist even now

that the batteries will die and leave a mo-

torist stranded. The truth is its almost

unheard of for the hybrid battery to just

die. But if the 12-volt automotive battery

has been drained lets say you left thedome light on all night then your hybrid

wont start. Just like a regular car, youll

need a jump.

Other things that need to be thoroughly

checked on a used hybrid? A mechanic

needs to pay special attention to the elec-

tric motor and generator.

But there are benefits to buying used hy-

brids, as well. Because they are more com-

puter-controlled, its easier for a mechan-

ic to get information from the car itself,

not the person selling the car. Sadly, were

not at the point where the car can just tell

you whether it has been in an accident,

but theres plenty of other information to

be gleaned from it: driving patterns andusage. And hybrids use a different brak-

ing system than all gas vehicles, so their

brakes dont wear out as fast.

One thing many people have trouble

adjusting to initially is how quiet hybrids

are. The electric engine is noiseless, and

when the car is turned on, thats the en-

gine that engages. There are definitely

adjustments when transitioning from tra-

ditional gas power vehicles to hybrids, but

dont let that scare you away. Besides, its

only a matter of time before we all have to

adjust to flying cars. Right?


SHARON NAYLOR

When you know that a stain in your car is caused by

makeup, coffee or french fry grease, you know how to re-

move it. But what if you spot a mysterious stain on your

car seat or seat belt?

To remove an unknown stain, youll need to be very

careful not to make the stain even worse, potentially

ruining your car seat or seat belt material with a poorly

chosen solution.

Your first step, as with any car-care need, is to check

your cars manual to find out from what materials your

car seats or seat belts were made. Knowing the type of

cloth or leather helps you target your efforts. For in-

stance, you may need a leather stain removal kit. The

manual could have cleaning recommendations designed

to keep you within your cars warranty. Some manufac-

turers will suggest specific cleaning brands. Or your

warranty may say that you need to take your car into the

dealer for cleaning and repair. Always read the fine print.

Once you have all of the necessary information, its

safer to proceed with a DIY cleaning sequence.

Taylor Flanery, blogger and author of Stain Removal

101, suggests a careful progression to reduce stain-set-

ting dangers. You might think you would try blotting

with water first, which would be the intuitive first step

for how to remove stains of unknown origins, but that

would not be correct. You can set an oil-based stain if you

apply water first

Instead, Flanery advises blotting a stain on fabric with

dry cleaning solvent first. A water-based stain will not

be set by trying dry cleaning solvent, so you will not ulti-

mately harm the fabric more by trying this step first. If

this removes the stain, you are done. If not, let the item

air dry before proceeding further.

If dry cleaning solvent, applied using the products

instructions, does not remove the stain, Flanery recom-

mends rubbing waterless hand cleaner, such as Goop,

on the stain, letting it sit for approximately 15 minutes,

and then rinsing it well. Waterless hand cleaners were

designed to help mechanics get rid of grease and oil from

their hands without using water, but they can help re-

move greasy stains from fabric, too.

If this still doesnt work, Flanery suggests using cold

water pressed into the stain, left for at least a half hour.

Its essential to use cold water, not warm or hot, since

those temperatures could set a protein-based stain.

Next, blot the unknown stain with a solution of 1 ta-

blespoon white vinegar, 1 tablespoon laundry detergent

and 1 cup of cool water, says Flanery, since slightly acid-

ic treatments can remove a stain. If this doesnt work,use cold water to blot the stained area. Then try a more

alkaline blotting process using a solution of 1 tablespoon

of ammonia, 1 tablespoon laundry detergent and 1 cup

of cool water.

Its essential to rinse the vinegar-applied area well be-

cause combining vinegar and ammonia together will

just neutralize the two products, making the ammonia

ineffective.

Remember that these are steps for fabric, not leather, so

dont apply ammonia and other products to leather seats.

Stick with leather-cleaning products.

If none of these suggestions work for removing the

stains of unknown origin, take your car to a car-detailing

center or to your dealer for professional service, telling

them every step, and every product, you used.

Sarah Aguirre, housekeeping expert for About.com, em-

phasizes that fresh spills and stains may be easier to clean

than ones that have sat in your car for days or weeks, bak-

ing in the sun, setting into your car fabric. Since passen-

gers dont always reveal that they dropped something on

your seat, its a good idea to look over your car after youve

given anyone a ride, especially snacking children.

Aguirre also reiterates the importance of following

cleaning solution directions to the letter, trying them first

on an inconspicuous area of your car seats or seat belts

to check for colorfastness before applying treatment to a

large, noticeable area. Do not use if the color changes.

And beware of bleach-based stain sticks; they might

remove tomato sauce stains from your white shirt won-

derfully, but they can damage the color and fabric of your

car seat or seat belt.

And most importantly, dont mix stain removal prod-

ucts. Aguirre says that mixing different chemicals can

cause potentially dangerous toxic fumes. And mixed

chemicals can create larger stains on your fabrics.


Creators.com photo courtesy of Sharon TorisRemoving mystery stains quickly and carefully keeps the value in your car.

Creators.com photo courtesy of Howard BlakesleeThe Toyota Prius was the worlds first mass-produced hybrid car.

NO LIMES, NO LEMONS!Shopping for a hybrid car

MYSTERY SPILLSGetting stains out of car seats and seat belts

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PROFESSIONAL DETAILINGThe difference is in the details.

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KRISTEN CASTILLO

Classic cars are cool to look at and cool to drive, but is

it worth it to own one?

The average collector vehicle in North America is

$30,000 or less, says Tabetha Hammer, Affinity commu-

nications manager for Hagerty, the worlds leading in-

surance provider for classic vehicles, noting that clas-

sic cars are available in all price ranges from the low

thousands to the multimillions.

If you can afford one, buying a classic car makes sense.

Collector cars are potentially an incredibly profitable

investment from a financial standpoint, says Darin Ro-

berge, marketing director for Russo and Steele Collector

Automobile Auctions, who explains classics are about

more than money.

The essential essence of a collector car simply breaks

down to passion, he says, noting, Above all else, they

are nostalgic and thus elicit an amazing degree of emo-

tional value.

BUDGETING FOR A CLASSICWant to buy a classic car but dont know where to get

started?

Remember this: Its unwise to pay too much, but itsworse to pay too little, says Mike Gulett of My Car

Quest, an online auction service for buyers and sellers

of classic cars.

Gulett, who advises classic car buyers to purchase the

most desirable car model they can afford, says its com-

mon in the collector car world for buyers to exceed their

budget, where the cost of the car plus the restoration

work is greater than the value when done.

In other instances, buyers purchase lower cost vehi-

cles that dont retain their value or dont appreciate like

a more expensive classic car would have.

SMART INVESTMENTSInvesting in classic cars is all about supply and de-

mand. The formula for the most in-demand collector

cars follows production numbers, correct, available

examples, and mass appeal, says Roberge, who cites

in-demand vehicles such as the Lamborghini Countach,

the Porsche 930 and 959s, and Fer-

raris such as the 288 GTO, Testaros-

sa, F40 and the 308/328.

What these amazing automobiles

have in common is sheer and simple

inspiration, he says, explaining

that these cars represent a genera-

tional shift in the market and are

a purchase most long-term inves-

tors can muster with very little dif-

ficulty.

The bottom line for Roberge? Get

in now before they become seven-figure collectibles.

The next wave of collectibles?

Roberge suggests Japanese exot-

ics from the early 1990s such as the

Toyota Supra Turbo or the R32 era

Nissan Skyline GTR.

CLASSIC CONSIDERATIONSExperts advise only purchasing a classic car if the ve-

hicle is in good condition. Keep any documentation to

make it more valuable and appealing for future buyers.

You need to know the cars maintenance history and re-

quirements. Dont forget to research storage and insur-

ance for the car, as well.

If you want the car as a project, just make sure you

have the skills and resources to repair and upgrade

the vehicle. Figure out what parts youll need and their

availability, too.

Collector cars require work, bottom line, says Rob-

erge. Know your laws, know your options for both sales

and service, and know your limits.

DAILY DRIVER?Typically classic cars arent driven daily for commut-

ing or getting groceries.

While some people say cars need to be driven, others

view classic cars as investments and works of art.

Most classics are driven occasionally to events like

shows or rallies, says Gulett, noting that many are

trailer queens, cars that are transported to car shows

and only driven on and off show fields.

Still, Hammer says, the majority of buyers purchase

classics simply as the fun car they dont have to have.

Whether you invest in a classic European sports car,

an American muscle car or a Japanese import, make

sure you choose a car you love, and enjoy the ride!


INVESTING IN THE PASTIs it worth it to invest in classic cars?

Creators.com photo courtesy of HagertyPictured: A 1930 Ford Model A roadster.

Creators.com photo courtesy of My Car QuestPictured: A Ferrari 275 GTB.

Vroom Fall 2015

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