Mercedes-Benz has a rather complicated lineup of internal codes, with a bewildering combination of letters and numbers to symbolize each vehicle. It started out as a simple combination of letters and numbers, but the introduction of newer models created a new list of internal code lineups. The combination of letters and numbers used to correspond…
Category: Auto
The great national hero Maori Venture
When Maori Venture won the Grand National in 1987, it was his first and last appearance in Aintree’s race. Sired by St Columbus of Moon Venture, he was raised by the Welsh publican Dai ‘Maori’ Morgan, nicknamed for his adventures in New Zealand, where he played rugby. The horse won a Taunton bumper at the…
How can I make sure my 4WD lift is legal?
In all parts of the world, there are restrictions on what you are allowed to do when modifying a four-wheel drive. Sure, you can go out and buy the biggest lift kit you can find. In fact, you can put the kit on and drive with it. However, it is very likely that at some…
Jaguar XJR is the best-bought high-performance car of the last 15 years
The Jaguar XJR, especially 1997-2003, is the best performing car on the market today. In the private secondary market, cars in good condition can be obtained for a market value far below comparative. What makes the Jaguar XJR an exceptional deal is the very things that have made Jaguar unmatched: the mystique, the level of…
Federal Rules to Promote Green Cars
The stricter federal rules will promote vehicles that will be 40% more fuel efficient by 2016. These national standards will bring the US in line with other countries that are already making fuel efficient cars. Starting in 2012, automakers will have achieved fuel efficiency for their products that ranges from 37.8 mpg for passenger cars…
2011 SUV Predicted Reliability Ratings: CR’s Top 5 & Worst 10 Small, Midsize, Luxury & Large SUVs
Consumer Reports recently published its short-term reliability predictions for sport utility vehicles. Predictions are based on the infrequency of major issues within the most recent 3 model years or less, based on data availability. This article lists the top 5 and bottom 10 based on CR’s predicted reliability in each of the Small SUV, Midsize…
Best third-row SUV
These days, most buyers who require a 7 or 8 passenger vehicle are turning to one of the many SUV models available. In the past, most buyers who required this type of vehicle chose minivans or vans for this task. However, as styles and preferences have changed in recent years, SUVs far outperform minivans by…
VW Camper Models: A Guide for the Confused
Type 2 split screen 1950-1967 This was the first VW caravan adapted from the VW bus (known as the Samba), which in turn was an adaptation of the VW van. You will recognize the rounded VW caravan with the V-molding at the front, the huge VW badge, the split windshield and the big round headlights…