Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Top Ten Vehicles of 2015

Atlanta Auto Beat is proud to present the 2015 edition of its annual list of top-ranked vehicles. Rankings are based on vehicles tested by The Beat, and measure traits such as affordability, fuel economy, functionality, looks and predicted reliability.

We hope you enjoy this list, and as always, feel free to comment.

No. 1: Chevrolet Silverado

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado gets some exterior styling changes and some cool technology to make it a leader in the full-size pickup market.
The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado gets some exterior styling changes and some cool technology to make it a leader in the full-size pickup market.
Photo used with permission from General Motors

Chevrolet Silverado


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The Silverado is an attractive truck that features a newly topographical hood with a lot of contour lines. There is also a new headlight structure that emphasizes a thin, projector-beam type look. If you opt for upper trim levels, you also get an LED lighting line,

No. 2: Lexus RC 350

The Lexus RC 350 is a sport coupe that combines familiar Lexus styling cues with dramatic flairs to create a striking appearance.
The Lexus RC 350 is a sport coupe that combines familiar Lexus styling cues with dramatic flairs to create a striking appearance.
Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Lexus RC 350


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It seems as if Lexus, after having tremendous success as a luxury brand in the first few decades of its existence, has spent much of the past few years seeking to prove that it can also be a great performance car brand. One of its latest salvos in that battle is the RC 350 sport coupe.

No. 3 Chevrolet Colorado Diesel:

The Chevrolet Colorado Diesel has plenty of towing power and offers a smooth ride.
The Chevrolet Colorado Diesel has plenty of towing power and offers a smooth ride.
Photo used with permission from General Motors

Chevrolet Colorado Diesel


Chevy has been planning the diesel version of the Colorado for quite some time. And the engine that this truck features, a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel, is truly a powerhouse. Chevy officials say it weighs 200 pounds more than the 3.6-liter V6 and 400 pounds more than the gasoline four-cylinder engine that the Colorado also features. The added weight meant that special suspension tuning was in order.

No. 4 Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra is a formidable competitor in the full size pickup segment, with great towing capacity and plenty of choices of cab and cargo bed sizes.
The Toyota Tundra is a formidable competitor in the full size pickup segment, with great towing capacity and plenty of choices of cab and cargo bed sizes.
Photo used with permission from Toyota

Toyota Tundra


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The pickup truck market is hot and heavy these days, with all the brands that make big trucks trying to ramp up their games. Add to that Toyota, which in the past year, updated the Tundra in a bid to keep up with the competition.

No. 5 Ford Mustang

The 2015 Ford Mustang has received a major makeover that retains the character of the traditional Mustang but adds touches to make it more appealing to a bigger market.
The 2015 Ford Mustang has received a major makeover that retains the character of the traditional Mustang but adds touches to make it more appealing to a bigger market.
Photo by Harold Cunningham/Getty Images

Ford Mustang


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Taking on a thorough redesign, the 2015 Ford Mustang gets an updated look but still features exhilarating driving performance on the road.

No. 6: Lexus ES 300h

The Lexus ES 300h is a hybrid luxury midsize sedan that presents one of the most compelling values in the sedan market.
The Lexus ES 300h is a hybrid luxury midsize sedan that presents one of the most compelling values in the sedan market.
Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

Lexus ES 300h

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The Lexus ES 300h, a hybrid sedan, was introduced a couple of years ago. And although it hasn't received a great deal of fanfare, you could make a strong argument for it being the best overall affordable luxury sedan on the market.

No. 7: Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 remains a huge seller, and with its recent upgrades, it will likely be able to hold on to that high ranking.
The Ford F-150 remains a huge seller, and with its recent upgrades, it will likely be able to hold on to that high ranking.
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Ford F-150


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It's a bit tempting to wonder whether designers at Ford get nervous every time they are asked to come up with a new look for the venerable F-150 pickup truck. After all, as the best selling vehicle in America year after year, you don't want to mess things up and make the fans unhappy.
Well, for the 2015 model year, the F-150 has taken on a full redesign. The results? Breathe easy, Ford engineers, you got it right.

No. 8: Acura TLX

The 2015 Acura TLX offers advanced safety and technology features, understated yet pleasant styling and a long list of standard features.
The 2015 Acura TLX offers advanced safety and technology features, understated yet pleasant styling and a long list of standard features.
Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Acura TLX


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The Acura TLX is a new luxury sedan, replacing two cars formerly made by Acura, the TL and TSX. It is available with a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine and has advanced safety and drivetrain technology available.
This model is a little shorter than the TL, a little longer than the TSX, but all in all is fairly comfortable for front and rear passengers.

No. 9: Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV that is also refined and pleasant on the interior.
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV that is also refined and pleasant on the interior.
TreeStyleFashion

Toyota 4Runner

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It seems that every year we get to review the Toyota 4Runner, every year we get to say something nice about it. The 2015 model year version is no different.
This traditional body-on-frame SUV (not many of those left these days, as crossovers are all the rage) seats up to seven if you get the optional third row of seating.

No. 10: Toyota Avalon

The Toyota Avalon has a spacious interior, luxury touches and gets decent fuel economy, making it a very good large sedan.
The Toyota Avalon has a spacious interior, luxury touches and gets decent fuel economy, making it a very good large sedan.
Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

Toyota Avalon


You'll be forgiven if you don't remember the previous version of the Toyota Avalon sedan. It was a quality car, but it provided nothing in the way of style and creativity until its major overhaul in 2013. Since then, and with the current version, the Avalon gives you pretty much everything you'd ask for in a large luxury sedan - good looks and impressive creature comforts.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Tips for Saving a Little Money During the Holidays

The holiday season can be tough on your budget with gifts, entertaining, and meals all putting an extra strain on your bottom line. So how are you to survive another holiday season with your budget intact? We have five tips for how to save during the holidays to help you out.
Make a shopping list
Before you start picking up gifts for everyone you think you need to shop for—and maybe some people you do not—start by making a list of who you need to get a gift for this season. Once you have your list, you can consider how much you want to spend on each. This stage is a great point to start considering your budget—does everyone on your shopping list really need a gift? Would they be just as happy (or happier) with a batch of homemade cookies or a hand-written holiday card? Laying out these shopping guidelines up front will help you avoid overspending and help you set up a holiday budget.
Set a budget
Be realistic: How much can you afford to spend this holiday season? The goal here is not to make a budget that has you spending the least possible—or a budget that lets you do as much shopping as you could possibly want. Abandoning practicality here likely means you’ll ignore your budget altogether, so it won’t be a useful tool to help keep your spending in line. Once you have a budget, the next step is to track your spending: Hang on to receipts ant total them up regularly to see how your spending matches up with your planned budget. If you go off track you can reign yourself back in before your holiday spending goes overboard.
Decide on spending limits
Gift-giving is a pricey proposition, and you may find your friends and family in the same holiday budgeting conundrum that you are. Talk to them about setting dollar limits for gifts, banding together to buy gifts as a group, giving things like babysitting or a homemade meal rather than traditional presents, or even eschewing gifts entirely. You don’t need to exchange pricey gifts to make the holiday season special, and even setting moderate limits on your gift-giving can be a big help for everyone’s expenses this season.
Dial down your extra spending
If you have must-do holiday spending, but are having trouble scraping up the cash to cover it, now’s the time to cut back on unnecessary expenses to save. Do you stop at the local coffee shop for a fancy drink every weekday? Do you go out for lunch at the office every day? Does your family have meals out (or take-out) a few times a week? Even though one cup of coffee may not seem like enough savings to matter, cutting back on small expenses like this will add up over the month. We recommend looking at what you’re spending on extras like this, doing the math, and deciding whether the savings is worth the trouble. In the end, making more meals at home and packing a travel mug full of coffee in the morning can save a good amount without making you feel like you’re tightening your belt too much.
Turn your holiday celebrations into potlucks
The holidays are a time to celebrate—but whether you’re hosting family or friends that can mean a hefty price tag. One easy solution, to both save some cash and get your guests more involved in the celebration, is to make the meal a potluck. Everyone can bring a food dish, drinks, or other supplies to help offset costs—plus you’ll have a more varied selection of dishes and the chance for guests to swap recipes and compare favorites. It’s a win all around.
Make the most of your credit card this seasonYou are going to be spending over the holidays, so why not put it on a credit card that offers rewards or other extras?
-PFCU

Monday, December 7, 2015

Buying a Teen a Car? Here are Some Safety Tips


You might be considering buying a teenager in your life his or her first car for a holiday gift this year. If so, there are a few factors to consider. While you may think bigger is better when it comes to safety for a young driver, that’s not always the case. Here are a few tips:

  • Steer clear of both compact cars and large sport utility vehicles or minivans, which may be more difficult for inexperienced teen drivers to control.
  • Look for high safety ratings, which may also help reduce your teen’s insurance premiums in those early driving years
  • Opt for electronic stability control, which has become standard on most cars since 2010 and helps drivers maintain control on curves and slippery roads.
Of course, a safe car doesn't replace safe driving. Look for in-vehicle tools that can help promote safe driving habits at here at Coaching Young Drivers.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Money Matters in Buying a Used Car


  • If you're buying a used car, your first step should be to figure out what you can afford. Consider the cash value of the car you're selling. Calculate any additional down payment. Then determine a monthly payment that fits your budget. Experts suggest a maximum of five years for car loans. You can check an auto loan calculator.
  • Determine market values in your region. Consult websites such as the USAA Car Buying Service, Kelley Blue Book and TrueCar.
  • Get an auto insurance quote to help determine the true cost of ownership but note that collision and comprehensive coverage generally costs less for used cars.
  • Look for low loan rates. Financial institutions such as credit unions might offer lower interest rates than a car dealer.
  • Get preapproved. That can help simplify the negotiation process.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Audi Posts another Strong Sales Month


Audi reported that its November 2015 sales increased 0.4 percent to 16,700 vehicles, a total that stands as the brand's 59th straight month of record U.S. sales.Audi achieved its best-ever November sales in the U.S. in establishing its record. The previous November record was set in 2014 with 16,640 Audi vehicles sold. Through the first 11 months of 2015, Audi U.S. sales rose 11.7 percent from last year to 181,803 vehicles, which is only 208 units short of what Audi sold in an entire year in 2014.