2009 Volkswagen Jetta
Ten years ago, mentioning the words "diesel" or "station wagon" in the description of a car would have shifted the buying public's attention to the "off" position. How times have changed. With the consumer mindset in economy mode, small, efficient cars are getting a second look. Doubly so if said car is both practical and fun to drive.
Cue the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI.
Far from holding the image of a car that only librarians, college professors, soccer moms, or hippies would be caught dead in, the Jetta SportWagen is impressive in the flesh. It comes across as fresh, smart - even sporty. Our tester was fitted with optional 17-in. alloys, which only helped further that perspective. Notably, our car also came with a small TDI badge on the rear hatch, which meant that VW's 2.0L direct-injection, 140-hp, 236-lb-ft turbodiesel engine was under the hood.
Walking about the car, initial impressions are positive. Build quality, true to Teutonic form, is very good. While VW is the most economical German brand to sell automobiles in the U.S., there's still no doubt where the Jetta SportWagen TDI hails from. Doors close with a solid thunk, paintwork is deep and glossy, and the interior is trimmed to a relatively high level, using good quality black vinyl that could fool the casual observer into thinking it is actually leather. There is a fair amount of plastic in the cabin, notably on the center console and door panels, but it too is of good quality and finished in matte black -- arguably the most appealing finish for plastic trim. Driver ergonomics are especially laudable, the SportWagen able to adapt to a wide array of driving positions with its standard tilting/telescoping steering column and split manual/power adjustable driver seat. Rear legroom is adequate, if not overly spacious, for a car of this class.
Our Jetta SportWagen TDI was fitted with the optional DVD-based navigation system ($1990), housed at the top of the center stack. The unit combines both navigation and audio controls, and while we found the system fairly easy to use, there did seem to be a longer than average delay when switching between menus, features, or even radio stations. The delay wasn't long enough to be frustrating, but it was noticeable - and in all fairness, we've noticed a similar delay in other Volkswagen and non-MMI-equipped Audi automobiles.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
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Throughout MileOne’s 3,500 employees, breast cancer has impacted many of their lives. Therefore, MileOne feels very strongly about supporting the American Cancer Society. Not only does this opportunity provide MileOne with a way to truly give back to the communities with which we do business, it is a charity that everyone, including the customer, relates to.
MileOne chose to support the American Cancer Society based on the Society’s commitment to research, advocacy, and patient services. So the company began its involvement by participating in community-based events such as Baltimore’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® and Relay For Life® throughout Maryland.
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eBay Find: 1987 Yugo GV
Children of the 1980s will likely remember this week’s eBay-tastic discovery. When the Yugo appeared on U.S. shores in 1986, it was marketed as the cheapest (in this instance, least expensive) new car in America, with a base price of just $3990. Unfortunately, it also gained the distinction of being the cheapest (in this instance, well you get the idea) new car in America, with a reliability record rivaling Freddie Mac. Built in Soviet-controlled Yugoslavia using Fiat bits, the Yugo became known as the ultimate disposable car, universally ridiculed by nearly every corner of the motoring media. Even Time magazine bashed the Communist-era compact, saying it “had the distinct feeling of something assembled at gunpoint.” As such, despite a U.S. sales run of over 100,000 units from 1986-1992, finding a survivor is nothing short of miraculous.
This miraculous-looking Yugo with only 54,606 miles could well be the best example left on the planet. Provided the 1.1-liter, carbureted four-cylinder is in top condition, expect upwards of 60 horsepower which, according to the current owner, is “eager to rev.” The auction also states the timing belt was recently replaced, which is actually quite important considering the little mill is an interference engine with a self-destructing reputation. The interior looks new, underneath appears surprisingly clean as well and there’s even a sunroof for your bunny ears to stick through. Ideally, the car would come with the bunny suit shown in the photos, but if not, you can always opt for the AK-47 gun rack and the Vodka holder. For the discriminating quirky car shopper, this could well be your next ride, especially if you don’t take yourself too seriously.
The Chesapeake and Ohio canal went from where to where?
Washington D.C. to Frostburg, Maryland
Chesapeake Bay to Cleveland, Ohio
Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Md
Chesapeake Bay to Cincinnati, Ohio
See answer under Car Doctor.
Ask the Car Doctor
Tire Safety Tips
Your tires are one of the most important parts of your automobile. Proper upkeep and maintenance will ensure save, affordable, and effective traveling. The following tips will help you remember what to do to keep them working well, as well as how to determine when the time is right for replacements.
It is extremely important to check your pressure regularly. Tires soften over time, and they can easily become a hindrance on your driving and on your gas use. It is recommended that you check you pressure once a month, and keep them filled to the level printed on your owner's manual and the inside of your driver's door. Pressure should be checked several hours after the car has been parked, as the friction of driving can often temporarily increase the pressure. Remember that replacements often have different pressure levels and maintenance needs, so keep those in mind when caring for your vehicle.
Don't forget to keep your spare in the same working condition as the ones in use. It would be very frustrating to get a flat, only to find that your spare is flat too. Compact spares usually have the inflation pressure written on them, so use that to guide you.
Checking tread depth is an important way to determine if you need to purchase new tires or not. A simple way to do is by setting the edge of a penny into the groove of your tire's tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, they need to be replaced. Also, check for even wear when checking for tread depth. The inside and outside edges of your tire should be worn down equally. Uneven wear is often a sign is misalignment. Also, check all of your tires thoroughly for signs of cracks, cuts, nicks, and tears. These sorts of damages are rarely fixable, and can be very dangerous. The easiest way to avoid frequent trips and misalignment is by replacing all four of your tires at once; if this is not possible, at least purchase them as axle pairs.
If your car seems to pull in a certain direction at different speeds, it might mean that your tires have lost their balance weight. This can easily be fixed at a low cost by your auto repairman.
Consider your geographical location when deciding on which type or brand to purchase. If you live in an especially cold and snowy region, you should consider buying snow tires, which will best protect you and keep your car running. Dry and sunnier climates often go best with summer performance tires, which have a great impact on your car's handling for a long stretch of time.
Make sure that your automobile is up to date on its service schedule.
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Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Md.
The original Chesapeake and Ohio canal was about 175 miles long. It was originally intended to go all the way to Ohio, but never made it.
