Subaru has announced that it’s offering a portable navigation system as an option on the 2011 Forester 2.5X Premium. Available as the $595 TomTom Navigation option and tied to the $500 All Weather Package, it will cost $1,095 total to add the portable nav system.

For that you get a removable nav system with a 4.3-inch LCD touch screen, while the car comes with Bluetooth for hands-free phoning and wireless music streaming built-in, iPod integration and a USB port. There’s an option to add a back-up camera as an accessory, with the TomTom nav’s screen serving as the display. And traffic info is also available via a subscription. But could you get some or all of these features for less money from the aftermarket?

You can get a TomTom portable nav system with a 4.3-inch screen for as little as $130 and a Bluetooth speaker phone that does hands-free and wireless streaming — and is voice-activated — for under $100. Adding an Audivox all-in-on back-up camera system costs as low as $163. So for under $400 you can have all of the features the 2011 Subaru Forester’s $595 TomTom Navigation option — and you don’t have to buy the $500 All Weather Package to get it.

Of course, you don’t get the integration that the factory option offers, and you’ll have extra wires running around your Forester’s interior if you go the aftermarket route, But you’ll save quite a bit of cash and you can carry the portable nav, Bluetooth speaker phone and even the back-up camera from car to car.

Regardless, it’s good to see automakers giving car buyers more nav options these days, including portables and lower-priced in-dash systems. The only thing that’s missing now is smartphone nav-app integration, though that’s coming soon.

Subaru drivers have and inherent sense of adventure and the GPS option in the new 2011 Forester is an option I think probably all of them would love to see become available across the Subaru line up. If you are in Bedford, PA and wanting to take a look at it yourself, feel free to swing by and check it out.

A light hearted picture for a very deadly issue.

Yes, I know the picture above is cute and light-hearted, but the topic is probably one of the most serious I’ve written about to date. In Bedford, PA, in the time it takes to purchase a gallon of milk or loaf of bread, a hot car could turn into a death trap for a small child. Even as summer comes to an end, experts say that within the first 10 minutes, the temperature in an enclosed vehicle will rise an average of 19 degrees. Even when the outside air temperature is only 70 degrees, the interior of a car can reach 120 degrees, and a baby cannot handle the heat.  They have a very immature respiratory system and they don’t have the ability to repel heat.

Consequently, their organs shut down fast. It’s a recipe for disaster. In fact, there is no safe length of time to leave a child alone in a car.

The hints from the video for reminding you that your child is in the back seat are good ones. I wonder when the automobile industry will address this by engineering sensors to alert you that your baby may still be in its car seat?

On a side note concerning the car seat, if you are in the area, swing by and we’ll show you how to install and anchor the car seat properly. Improperly secured car seats are also a leading cause of injury among children.

Actually no, it is. In fact, replacing the O will some N will actually improve the performance of your tires on many levels.

First, it eliminates moisture since it replaces oxygen molecules, which are smaller, with bigger nitrogen molecules. Simply put, moisture (water) in a tire is not a good thing since it causes temperature variations and rim corrosion. Second with larger molecules, it leaks at a slower rate, keeping tires inflated at the correct pressure for a longer time, which helps a car achieve maximum fuel efficiency. That means better gas mileage and less tire maintenance, and everyone can appreciate that, even me. Another interesting fact is that commercial airplanes, race cars and even many commercial vehicles fill their tires with nitrogen. They do it because of the benefits I mentioned, plus, with the even temperature, tires are less likely to catch fire. Thankfully, the average car driver will most likely never have to worry about your tires catching fire in your vehicle. You may not notice a smoother ride by switching to nitrogen-filled tires, unless your tires were so far underinflated. Nevertheless, knowing that your tires will last longer should ease your mind, and your wallet. If you want to learn more about nitrogen-filled tires, swing by my place in Bedford, Pa and I’ll prove to you the benefits of filling your tires with nitrogen Instead of Air. Still don’t believe me? Check out the video below and check getnitrogen.org for some really great information.

I think I’m mildly obsessed with the Corvette ZR1. First it was the ZR1 vs a Navy F/A 18 fighter jet. Needless to say, I’ll bet you can guess who won that one. However this drag race is a little more fair. The Porsche is lighter, but has less HP. Who do you think will win a half mile race? Check out the video and find out.

Now if this was a mile track, there’s no doubt in my mind that the ZR1 would have dominated this race. Alas, my beloved ZR1 wasn’t as quick off the line as I thought it would have been, still 0-60 in 3 sec is pretty respectable.

Interested in a Corvette? If you are in Bedford Pennsylvania swing by and take a test drive…It will be one that your won’t forget.

Something that you guys may not know is that I love to fly. I have my pilot’s license and have been flying for years. So, you can understand my excitement when I stumbled across this video. Now I know it’s a few years old, but that doesn’t change how cool this video is. Plus, it’s a good way to kill 17 minutes.

Best line of the video. “I’ll bet I creamed him on gas mileage.”

The ZR1 isn’t for everyone, its price point is up there and the handling may be too much for the average Joe to..well…handle. However,  if you are looking for a Corvette in Pennsylvania, ZR1 or not, I’m sure I can put in the cockpit of one. As for a F/A-18 Hornet? Well, you’re on your own with that one.

This is one story that should make Geeks worldwide jump for joy! Apparently Hyundai and Steve Jobs have a common interest: Communication Technology. Is the inclusion of an iPad a marketing ploy or just outright common sense? He’s an article I found at MotorAuthority.com that may shed some light onto the reasoning for this, admittedly, high-tech bonus.

We’ve driven the 2011 Hyundai Equus a few times, and have come away impressed with the Korean automaker’s first take on traditional, full-size luxury.

Since we’re poverty-stricken Apple fanboys, too, we geeked out over the announcement earlier this year that the Equus would come standard with a 16GB, WiFi-enabled Apple iPad, which houses the Equus’ owners’ manual and connects owners to schedule service appointments via the Web.

A few mixed messages later, we’re bringing you the first photos of the iPad at work in the Equus, courtesy Hyundai CEO John Krafcik. Krafcik saw our (now updated) Equus Third Drive story, where we’d reported the iPad would not fit in the glovebox or in some secret area inside the Equus’ cubby-filled cabin. Here’s Krafcik’s proof that it does, even when tucked inside a nifty iPad case. (Etsy? Coach? I need this.)

The iPad also fits in the Equus’ seatback pockets, which means it doubles as an entertainment device for backseat passengers not wowed by the sedan’s eight-inch flip-up LCD entertainment system. And it slides into the side bins in the front doors, though it’ll be plainly visible there.

There’s still the question of how the iPad will stay charged, if it’s sitting unused for weeks on end in the car, and how that will affect owners who need the manual sporadically. And will owners be able to swap the WiFi model out for a 3G version, to stay connected in the nearly-ubiquitous cellphone data band?

Last question: does Steve Jobs get a free Equus, since it is pretty much the nicest iPad case on the planet?

The Nicest iPad Case on the Planet

Now I want one! If you have any questions or comments, leave me a few. If you are in Bedford Pennsylvania, swing by and take the iPad for a spin…uh, I mean the Hyundai Equus for a spin.

I’ve always wanted to do a “How To” list. If there’s one thing I know about, it’s buying and selling new and used cars. So here it is, the insider’s secret on “How-To-Buy a Used Car”

The one thing to always remember is that it won’t be a bargain if you have to spend a ton of money on repairs, so learn how to spot a lemon (buying from a reputable dealer is a great first step). However, you’ll still want to follow this list regardless of who you buy from.
To complete this How-To you will need:

Time

Patience

Diligence

Step 1: Figure out how much you can spend

Figure out how much you can spend—either in cash or in monthly loan payments. Tip: Don’t forget about the costs of owning a car, like insurance and maintenance.

Step 2: Research models

Research the models you’re considering. Car information websites will help you compare both the performance and long-term reliability of various cars.

Step 3: Locate car

Locate a car that you want to check out. Search used car lots, classified ads, car dealerships that sell pre-owned vehicles, and special used-car publications and websites.

Step 4: Ask seller about condition

Probably NOT a reputable guy.

Ask the seller about the general condition of the car, including mileage, extra features, and whether service records are available.

Tip: If you’re buying the car from an individual, ask if he or she is the original owner and the reason for selling the car.

Step 5: Inspect & test-drive

Inspect the car and test-drive it. You want to make sure that it performs well, runs smoothly, and feels right.

Tip: Don’t let the seller rush you through the test-drive.

Step 6: Find out if warranty included

Find out if the car comes with a warranty.

Tip: If a warranty isn’t included, have a mechanic inspect the car for you. Let the seller know that the sale is contingent on a professional inspection.

Step 7: Get vehicle history report

Get a vehicle history report from one of the companies that sell them online. See if the vehicle has been damaged in an accident or flood—and if the odometer may have been rolled back.

Step 8: Find out worth

Find out how much the car is worth by consulting online used car guides or visiting the library.

Step 9: Negotiate

Negotiate. Using the market value of the car as a guide, make an offer on the low end. Don’t be afraid to walk away.

Tip: If you’re trading in your car or having a dealership arrange financing, negotiate the price of the car before you discuss trade-in value and financing to assure you get the best deal.

Step 10: Close the deal

Close the deal. If you’re buying from a private seller, make sure you get the title. Register your new vehicle with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

Tip: If you’re buying from a dealership, they will handle most of the paperwork for you. Just make sure you read any contracts or paperwork carefully.

Step 11: Drive home

Drive home in your snappy new ride.

As always, if you have any comments, suggestions or questions leave me a note, or if you’re in Bedford, Pa, just swing by..

The title says it all.

Ya’ know? I love kids. I’m not going to get on my soapbox about the proper way to secure your child in your car. I’m not going to give you a lecture about how your are 100% responsible for that child’s total safety. You know this. But sometimes, the companies that build the tools to protect our babies aren’t totally clear on how to properly install those tools. Enter…The Infant Car Seat.

The easiest way to learn for a lot of people is by example. Take a look at the video below for an excellent example.

If you still have questions or would like to experience the proper way to install an infant car seat, please don’t hesitate to come by my Bedford, PA location and we’ll show you.

Subaru is billing its new 2011 WRX STI sedan is “the fastest WRX STI ever.” During a recent test at the Nurburgring, the sedan reportedly clocked a 7:55 lap around the famed circuit. Here’s a Subaru-produced clip of the behind-the-scenes action.

Frankly, Subaru never ceases to surprise me. If you are in Pennsylvania feel free to swing by and take the 2011 Subaru WRX STI for a spin.

According to Consumer Reports, The Buick Regal has earned IIHS Top Safety pick.

The Buick Regal is the latest in a fast-growing group of cars to earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). (Read the full results.)

Earning that designation means a car has performed well in all of the Institute’s tests, including a front crash test, side-impact test, head-restraint design, and its stringent new roof-crush test. IIHS rates cars in all these tests on a scale of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. The Regal earned a Good in all these tests.

The Regal is the smallest model from Buick, brought over from GM’s German Opel subsidiary. Look for a full test in our October issue and even sooner online.

So, while sporty may not be a word you’d use to describe any Buick of recent memory it certainly comes close with the Buick Regal. Of course, If you’re interested in formulating your own opinion about the Buick Regal and are in Pennsylvania, you can swing by and check it out.