Best Places to Live Car Free!

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Buddy Evans
Buddy Evans

For Living Without a Car; The 2011 Most Walkable Cities in the USA

Back in 2008, we combed the web and made a list based on user experiences and available articles regarding the Best Cities in the US for Living without a Car. Recently, 24/7 Wall St. conducted a new study and came up with an updated list of the

Best Places to Live In Without a Car 2011.

We thought it would be interesting to compare the 2008 list with the recent one and see which US cities improved their walk scores and public transportation and which ones are less green then they were reported to be in 2008.

2011 BEST Place to Live Without a Car in the USA is…San Francisco, CA

Living Carfree in the USA? Move to San Fran!With the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority and the Bay Area Rapid Transit district covering nearly 92 percent of neighborhoods, San Fran rises from the #3 spot of 2008 bumping out New York, NY. San Francisco also has the second highest walk score and is excellent for bicyclists. Commuter rails within the city allow bicyclists to mount with their bicycles, and there is a bike shuttle across the Bay Bridge to help cyclists during rush hour.

Portland, OR was number 6 on the USA cities list in 2008, but has risen to a remarkable #2 this year due to both its public transit system and the ease of walking and biking around the city. With TriMet, and a Free Rail Zone where light rail and streetcar rides are always free in most of downtown Portland, the city openly encourages the use of public transportation. Designated bike-only areas at traffic signals and free bike lights helps bring Portland up to the second highest rate of commuters who ride bikes to work in the country.

Our own New York, NY has sadly fallen from #1 to #3; but we can proudly say that NYC still has the highest walk score on this list! New York is still tops with first in the nation for total number of passenger trips and government spending per capita on public transit. We also have the highest rate of service frequency so when you are ready, please remember, we buy used cars!

More US Cities Making it Easier to Live Carfree

Newcomer to the List is Honolulu, Hawaii with its bus system covering 97 percent of neighborhoods — the highest rate in the country. Honolulu also ranks highest for having almost 60 percent of jobs accessible within 90 minutes to those who live in neighborhoods covered by transit. With the city planning a $5.5 billion rail project called the Honolulu Rail Transit Project, it looks like Honolulu is here to stay!
Also rising up is Seattle, WA;Coming up from 2008’s #7 position to #5. According to Bicycling magazine, Seattle is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country and “has a 10-year, $240-million bike master plan that seeks to triple the number of journeys made by bike and add 450 miles of bike paths.” The city also has the sixth highest walk score in the country.
Congratulations go to newcomers San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif. Overseen by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, public transit covers 95.6 percent of neighborhoods, the third greatest in the country. Public vehicles also run under 7 minutes apart, the fifth smallest frequency.

Denver, Co was on our honorable mention list in 2008 and is now a strong contender at #7! Already considered “good” with their bus service, light rail lines, and an airport shuttle service, the city is currently undergoing a multibillion dollar expansion of its transit system, called the FasTracks Expansion. This plan is meant to increase light rail, commuter rail and bus rapid transit lines.

Coming completely out of left field is Salt Lake City, UT. With transit coverage at a 8th highest 89% and a walk score of 57, this newcomer to the carfree list is still not done! The Utah Transit Authority has plans to add four more lines to its light rail system, TRAX, up from its current three lines.

Living in LA without a Car?

Living in LA without a CarWe’re not 100% sure about the ninth entry on the USA city list. We reported Los Angeles, CA as being one of the WORST cities to live in without a car back in 2008. Our decision on that was based on reading people’s comments and opinions, as opposed to real statistics and percentages, but we call that users experiences.. The new study reports that LA’s metro area’s 19 transit systems have more than 500 bus routes. As a result, 96% of neighborhoods are within 0.75 miles to a transit stop — the second highest rate in the country. However, they still had some serious issues. Can we say “Carmageddon”?
The biggest loser, it seems is Bean City aka Boston MA, who we had reported as the second best city to live in without a car in the USA, but has now dropped to #10. Even with, Boston’s third-highest walk score in the country and public transit relatively high service frequency rate; other USA cities are finding it easier to be Green than the home of the Red Sox.

Not the Best Places to Live Carfree Anymore?

With their 2008 rankings, the following US cities have fallen off the new list of the best places to live without a car:

    • #4 ranking city Chicago, IL
    • # 5 Philadelphia, PA
    • #8 Washington DC

If you are wondering how you community ranks, or check out possible moving choices, BikesatWork.com has created a customizable Carfree Census Database.They have compiled top searches based on small towns, small cities, large cities, and all communities and then they break them down even further.

The Carfree Census Datatbase also looks at:

  • The Number of bicycle commuters
  • The pedestrian commuters
  • The amount of Public Transportation commuters
  • The “non-car” commuters
  • And the number of carfee households

Personally, we think you should all try living carfree! And when it is time to sell your car, give us a call or fill out a free car appraisal!

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Frankfurt Auto Show 2011: Concept Cars from Subaru, Audi & Volkswagen

Posted on November 22, 2011 by admin
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It’s hard to believe that it’s already been one year since I was talking about the Paris Auto Show. So much has changed, but one thing has remained the same: we buy used cars. This year’s auto show unveiled more concept cars.

Frankfurt Auto Show

The Frankfurt Auto Show alternates years between Frankfurt and Paris. This auto show is like Christmas for car buffs, with each little car guy (or girl) nestled in their bed with dreams of automotives in their heads.

At last year’s show in Paris, we picked our three favorite concept cars that included the Kia POP, The Next XK, and a green concept car from Ferrari. This year was equally as difficult to pick our favorites. Continue reading →

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The 99 Percent and the United States Economy

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Buddy Evans
Buddy Evans

Occupation of Wall Street in New York City

Occupy Wall Street Demonstrations

As a lifelong New Yorker, of course, I cannot be immune to what is happening in our fair city. We are in the 6th week of the Occupy Wall Street movement and the news and crowds keep growing. Since the inception on September 17th, which was apparently begun by a simple email list, the movement has now grown to be in 70 major cities and over 600 communities in the U.S. Continue reading →

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What to do with Flood Damaged Vehicles

Posted on October 7, 2011 by admin
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How to Assess Water Damaged Cars

Hurricane Irene has come and gone, leaving damage and destruction in its wake. Hopefully your loved ones are safe and sound. I’ve heard a lot of questions lately since Irene left town. I know many of you are asking what to check for to see how your car has been affected by flooding. I’ve compiled a list here from many sources for you.

Most Common in Water Damaged Cars

The most common damages endured during a flood include electrical damage, engine damage and fuel supply damage. Of course there are cosmetic damages to consider including but not limited to mud in foot wells and moldy seats but electrical damage like any other damage may vary based on how long the vehicle was submerged and how deep the water was. Engine damage is the most expensive but usually is not incurred unless the car’s air intake or carburetor was submerged while the engine was still running. Fuel supply damage isn’t usually detected for years. The usual cause is when water seeps in through the overflow valve of the gas tank.

Where to Look for Car Water Damage

As the New York region just underwent massive amounts of flooding due to Hurricane Irene, especially in New jersey and Upstate New York regions such as the Catskills, it’s important to know what to look for if you are looking to buy a car privately. CarAccessoriesMagazine, CARFAX ,and Autos.com explain exactly where you should investigate if your car has been exposed to a lot of water and what to do:

  • Check under the car, above the gas tank for silt, and debris, which if present would indicate the car has been flooded.
  • Rust in the trunk or glove compartment would also be a sign of water damage.
  • Take a deep breath and smell for musty odors from mildew. If the car smells musty or moldy, or it looks like the original upholstery has been replaced, it more than likely has been water damaged.
  • Check interior carpets, upholstery and door and trim panels for dampness. Simply drying these out will not be a solution to the problem as mold could still occur. Discolored, faded or stained materials could indicate water damage.
  • Do an inspection of the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary.
  • Inspect the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs showing signs of water intrusion.
  • Inspect the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris, etc.. To avoid rust you must wash and clean these areas as soon as possible.
  • Check the air filter for signs of water intrusion. Replace the air filter and change the oil, if necessary.
  • Car water damage can impact engine oil and transmission fluids and electrical plugs and wires. First check the fluids. If they appear milky, diluted, no longer their original color then they are probably contaminated.
  • Abnormal noises while the engine is running may be a sign of car water damage. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible.
  • Turn the ignition key and make sure that accessory and warning lights and gauges come on and work properly. Make sure the airbag and ABS lights come on.
  • Test lights (interior and exterior), windshield wipers, turn signals, cigarette lighter, radio, heater and air conditioner several times to make sure they work.
  • Flex some of the wires beneath the dashboard. Wet wires will become brittle upon drying and may crack.

Have Your Mechanic Look at the Flood Damaged Vehicle

If all of these seem like too much, the best idea is to have a professional take a look. It is also important to know what type of water the car was submerged in. Salt water is corrosive and can do heavy damage not only to the body of the car but also to the electronics. If the car has been submerged in fresh water, rebuilding may be a possibility, but not the least expensive option.

Water Damage Statistics

Carfax also offered a few interesting statistics about flood damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. Hurricane Floyd damaged 75,000 vehicles in 1999. In 2001 Tropical Storm Allison damaged more than 95,000 vehicles. Hurricane Ivan damaged more than 100,000 cars in 2004. Although we do not have specific numbers from Irene, I’m sure that the damage is there.

If your car has been damaged beyond repair, Big Bucks Auto may be able to offer $0.29 to the dollar that your damaged car is worth when you sell your car.

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New York City Bridge and Tunnel Tolls Rise Up and Aggravate Commuters

Posted on September 22, 2011 by admin
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Port Authority Raises Tolls & New Jersey Transit Absorbs the Hike

As of 3 a.m. Sunday, September 18th, 2011, the current cost of living and commuting to New York City just became very painful for commuters and motorists. Drivers who pay with cash to drive into NYC through bridges and tunnels controlled by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey now face a 50 percent increase. And it’s not over. Tolls are scheduled to rise an additional 75 cents more a year through 2015, with cash tolls rounded up to the nearest whole dollar. How many ways can we say “Ouch!”

Under a controversial toll increase the Port Authority approved raising bridge and tunnel tolls over five years by 56 percent, or $4.50 total.

New York City Bridge and Tunnel Toll Hikes in Effect:

New York City Bridge tolls were hiked up four dollars for the following bridges into NYC, for cars, from $8.00 to $12.00:

Tolls up 50% on NY's GWB

  • George Washington Bridge; Crossing the Hudson River from to Manhattan
  • Goethals Bridge: connecting Elizabeth, New Jersey to Staten Island over the Arthur Kill
  • Bayonne Bridge: connecting Bayonne, New Jersey with Staten Island, New York, spanning the Kill Van Kull
  • Outerbridge Crossing: also crossing the Arthur Kill between Perth Amboy, New Jersey to Staten Island

E-Z Pass customers will see a hike in the tolls as well, though less than cash paying customers. Off Peak E-Z Pass bridge rates are now $7.50 while $9.50 will be changed during peak times (Weekdays: 6-10 a.m., 4-8 p.m., Sat. & Sun.: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.) The Port Authority has also extended its peak hours by an hour, so they last from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends

The Same tolls hikes will be felt on NY commuters for the two main tunnels bringing traffic from New Jersey into Manhattan:

  • Holland Tunnel: under the Hudson River connecting lower Manhattan with Jersey City, New Jersey at Interstate 78 on the mainland.
  • Lincoln Tunnel: connecting Weehawken, New Jersey with mid-town Manhattan also under the Hudson

The tolls will continue to rise through 2015, when a trip to New York City will cost a cash-paying driver $15.

New Jersey PATH Commuter Train Rates Rise Too

A single fare on the PATH train, the commuter subway system between Manhattan and New Jersey, has been raised by 25 cents, to $2 a ride. The fare will continue to rise by 25 cents for three additional years so the eventual raise will be a whole dollar over the former $ 1.75 train fare.

New Jersey Transit announced that it would also absorb the Port Authority’s toll increase, and would keep commuter fares stable. Other commuter transits such as Academy Bus won’t hike fares following toll increases even though the 150 percent toll hike hurts the bus companies as the tolls went from $4 to $10.

MTA Controlled NY Bridges and Tunnels:

MTA crossing charges went into effect 2 AM, December 30, 2010. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority charges tolls for either crossing with the exception of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. It’s pretty clear that if you don’t have E-Z Pass then you are simply wasting your money. Of course, the Port Authority rates also went up in the most recent hike and will continue to rise through 2015. If you need additional incentives to give into E-Z Pass, then check out the toll calculator.

For cars with nothing in tow, the MTA’s “major crossings” are as follows:

  • Verrazano Narrows Bridge: connecting the boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn in New York City at the Narrows; bridge toll is currently $9.60 for E-Z Pass and $13.00 cash toll but luckily the toll is only charged westbound only per car in cash.
  • Robert F. Kennedy Bridge: renamed from Triborough Bridge (sometimes spelled Triboro Bridge), is three separate bridges spanning the Harlem River, the Bronx Kill, and the Hell Gate over of the East River, the bridges connect the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, and The Bronx via Randall’s Island and Wards Island, which are joined by landfill. For all that bridge travel, it’s almost a bargain with the tolls being currently $4.80 for E-Z Pass and $6.50 cash toll.
  • Bronx-Whitestone Bridge: crosses the East River and connects the boroughs of Queens on Long Island and The Bronx via Interstate 678 . Currently the White stone tools are $4.80 for E-Z Pass and $6.50 cash toll
  • Throgs Neck Bridge carries Interstate 295 over the East River where it meets the Long Island Sound. The bridge connects the Throggs Neck section of the Bronx with the Bay Terrace section of Queens. Tolls are currently $4.80 for E-Z Pass and $6.50 cash toll
  • Henry Hudson Bridge: spanning the Spuyten Duyvil Creek connecting the Spuyten Duyvil section of The Bronx with the northern end of Manhattan to the south at Inwood Hill Park. currently $2.20 for E-Z Pass and $4.00 cash toll

For cars with nothing in tow, the “minor crossings” are as follows:

  • Marine Parkway‑Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge: over the Rockaway Inlet is currently $1.80 for E-Z Pass and $3.25 cash toll for both directions.
  • Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge: tolls for both sides of crossing over the Jamaica Bay in Queens currently $1.80 for E-Z Pass and $3.25 cash toll.

Other NYC Tunnels Tolls:

The MTA also charges their tolls for NYC tunnels in both directions, so you have to pay to get ether in or out on the city.

  • Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel: officially the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel, crosses under the East River at its mouth, connecting Brooklyn with Manhattan. The tunnel nearly passes underneath Governors Island and is currently charging $4.80 for E-Z Pass and $6.50 cash tolls
  • The Queens Midtown Tunnel: moving I-495, aka the Long Island Expressway or the LIE , under the East River from of Queens to Manhattan form East 34th Street and East 42nd is at $4.80 for E-Z Pass and $6.50 cash toll respectively.

Much Controversy Over the NYC Toll Increases

Port Authority announced the increase in late August and it was even higher originally!

The governors of both NY and NJ, who control the agency, approved the modified increase and had worked behind the scenes to keep it from being an even bigger increase. NY’s Mayor Bloomberg supported the final toll increase as well.

The Port Authority receives no tax money, so most of its revenue comes from tolls and fees, including rent paid by airlines at its four New York-area airports. Port Authority Executive Director Christopher Ward, has called the increases “absolutely necessary,” and officials note that the funds will also help pay for maintenance of tunnels, bridges and other transportation infrastructure.

“The bridges would eventually fall down” without increasing revenue available for maintenance, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said during his weekly appearance today on WOR radio. “They have no choice. They have to act responsibly. They have to get more revenue.”

The controversial toll hike will help fund the rebuilding of the World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan; a move that drew criticism from the Automobile Association of America. The AAA urged the U.S. Department of Transportation to stop the increase, accusing the Port Authority of misusing funds that AAA says are only supposed to be used for transportation.

Avoiding the Toll Increase and get to NYC

It’s not just that it is too expensive to own a car in NYC, but rather, people cannot afford to drive their cars in and out of the city!

NYS Thurway approved their fourth Thruway rate hike in five early in 2010. That increase made drivers pay 5 percent more bringing the cumulative NYS Thruway increase since 2004 to 45 percent for cash-paying drivers of passenger cars. Tolls were instituted when the Thruway opened in 1954, and were intended to pay off bonds used to build the longest toll highway system in the United States. The tolls were supposed to disappear in 1996, but have not.

Cheaper Toll Access to NYC from the North:

The NYS Thruway does, however, feed into the Tappan Zee Bridge connecting Nyack in Rockland County with Tarrytown in Westchester County which only charges $5.00 to get close to NYC.
The Tap can be completely avoided, if one stays on the east side of the Hudson. If you want to get to NY avoiding the most tolls form the north:, take the Taconic Parkway to the Saw Mill then hop on the NYS Thruway. That will turn into the Major Deegan (same road, 87). Take exit 2 towards Willis Ave/3rd Ave Bridge. Bang a right onto Bruckner Blvd and this takes you right onto the Willis Ave Bridge which launches you right onto the FDR/Harlem River Drive. The Willis Ave Bridge over the Harlem River between Manhattan and the Bronx is one of the two free bridges into NYC.

Total Tolls: $1.25 at Yonkers Thruway.

Best Money Saving Routes to Manhattan from LI:

The Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, aka the 59th Street Bridge or simply the Queensboro Bridge, is over the East River connecting Long Island City in Queens with Manhattan and is also still free. Of course, this commute only works if one is coming from Brooklyn, Queens or other Long Island areas.

Just Say NO to NYC Bridge and Toll Increases!

The Port Authority toll hikes do mean that if you commute from immediately south or west of NYC, you are either going to either drive further or pay more. If this makes you say: I need to sell my car in NY , you are in luck:

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Remembering September 11th

Posted on September 9, 2011 by admin
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One New Yorker, Two Buildings, Ten Years

Sometimes, there are things more important than buying used cars.
I know that sound funny coming from me; when the purchase of cars is not just my business, but my family’s business for three generations, and more than just how we make our living, but our life. But it’s true. Normally, when you say 911, it means the Porsche 911 and I would be happy that I had been able to buy one! But not this week. This week, 911 means something incomparable to a mere automobile, even a Porsche. This week, as New York, as this nation, as the world prepares for the 10th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks on the World Trade Center and Washington DC, cars are just not as important in the grand scheme of things.

The Ten Year Anniversary of 911

Like many, I find it hard to believe that it has been ten years since that beautiful September morning when the unspeakable horror fell from the sky. Sometimes, it does seem like only yesterday and the world was a better place, a simpler place; without terror warnings, without full body scans at airports, without wars and with the Twin Towers still standing over lower Manhattan. It doesn’t seem possible that a whole new generation has been born, and will never know, the Manhattan skyline as it should be with the WTC standing guard. And no matter how much time has passed, what happened on September 11th will never, ever, be right. It still feels like something is missing whenever I Iook towards the Mahattan skyline.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

On September 11th…

My day started like every other New Yorker; just a regular old Tuesday. It’s no exaggeration that September 11th, was an amazingly perfect and incredibly beautiful day. I happened to be in Manhattan that morning rather than over at the Big Bucks location and not all the way downtown on lower Broadway, but over on 23rd and 5th; close enough to see, but far enough away to be safe. Like a high budget Hollywood action adventure, I saw it all play out just like a movie; a horrible, tragic movie that we were all unwilling cast for.

photo: Wikimedia Commons

Early morning in NYC, everyone is running around, trying to get to places on time, fighting traffic, searching for a cup of coffee. NY is known for being super busy and fast paced. NY is known for its packed subways and massive crowds. NY is known for our a certain rudeness, whether real or perceived,. I tend to think we aren’t trying to be rude, we just have so much to do and are in a hurry. In any case, there is a reason that NY is called the city that never sleeps.

AP Photo/Marty Lederhandler

After the first plane hit, you could feel the energy in Manhattan immediately change. It didn’t matter where you were, or who you were, or what you should be doing or even if you saw it, all eyes moved to view the Twin Towers. I joined the fray, staring downtown with disbelief.

Looking back, it’s clear to see how innocent we all were when the first plane hit at 8:46. For 16 minutes, shocked, horrified, and scared for those involved, it seemed like it was just a terrible – really terrible, really bad – accident. So brief were those moments, when it was almost a “normal” fear, a “normal” reaction to what was easily going to be a tragic day, I long for that feeling still. It was the last of our naiveté.

Now with all eyes on the WTC towers, the second plane came in at 9:02 AM and reality hit us all with a collective ton of bricks. This was no accident. It was on purpose. It was a full on attack. It was terrorists. And I clearly remember taking a mental note; “Self,” I said, “the world will never be the same.”

Of course, I, along with every single person that was either standing and staring the at the NY skyline, or glued to the news channels, or rushing to in to the World Trade Centers to help the victims, had no idea that it would only get worse.

AP Photo/Richard Drew

Away from Ground Zero

The part that I played in this national horror was minimal. I was just an average New Yorker cast as a witness. I was in a safe area, though there were hours when we expected more planes to hit more buildings. I wasn’t in danger, and I didn’t race downtown. I am not a first responder and I can’t say I saved anyone. In fact, I actually didn’t even know anyone directly who died in the September 11th attacks on New York, though in the months that followed I found that I knew a great many people who were directly affected by the death of a loved one whether they worked in the WTC itself, or whether they were a first responders who was lost trying to save others. Aside from the emotional aspect of watching this play out, I was only immediately affected as I couldn’t get back home off Manhattan on 9-11. So rather than fight my way back to Jamaica with half of the island and little public transportation, I walked back uptown and ended up staying on the Upper East Side. Not such a big deal in the grand scheme of things. I know I am fortunate in that way.

Remembering 911

In the ten years since the WTC attacks, I dread the coming of September 11th. The flurry of media coverage, of new specials on TV, of the collective conscious, forces us all to remember a day that we would much rather forget. But we cannot forget it. And we never should.

I know it’s a national tragedy and one that affect us all as a whole nation and continues to do so to this day, but 911 also belongs intrinsically to New York. For the ten year 911 Anniversary, all of New York is about remembering the date this coming Sunday. I’m not sure exactly how I will spend the day this time, but I am pleased to see so many amazing tributes happening all over NY, not just at the WTC site. A sampling of the scheduled 911 events in NY can be found here. For those not physically in NY, there is a whole collection of the special 911 TV coverage on pretty much every cable and broadcast channel as well. I normally mock media frenzies, but as much as I do emotionally dread these, there is an odd comfort knowing that we will all be thinking of what was lost on that day. There is something to be said about coming together again and remembering.

The New World Trade Center and 911 Memorial

Image adapted from Village Voice cover photograph by Andre Souroujon, 2001

For ten years, every time I have looked to the place where the Twin Towers once stood, so proud, so tall; the anger and horror has risen up all over again. Like so many New Yorkers, we look to the skyline to know that we are home. It’s we orient ourselves. It is the welcoming beacon. Every time I look up, I see what has been taken away, and I want the Twin Towers back with a fierce need that just has not diminished by time. After ten years of the empty, haunting skyline; I find hope rising with the rebuilding at the WTC site.

I didn’t pay much attention to the debate surrounding the future of the site. I hadn’t really bothered looking at any of the final designs. And the times I had been down to the Ground Zero construction zone, it wasn’t anything that I could recognize. To my eyes, still, I just saw the death and destruction. In preparation for the Anniversary, I watched the Discovery Channel series Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero and I am really proud to see what is being rebuilt. Just as I applaud every single human being that came together on that day to help another human being out and just as we honor and pay our respects to all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2011, my hat goes off to the people who have put so much care and respect into bringing the World Trade Center back. I have watched 6 hours of Rising, and every time I look at what they are doing, now that I can see it, all I can say is “YES! You build that! Bring it back!” with surprising emotion that rises just as strongly as the iron used to make the new #1 WTC.

Purchase this photo at http://www.laughingravy21.com/

While we can’t undo the past, I am beginning to think, when it is done, the New World Trade Center and 911 Memorial and Museum will being to really heal. Not only will the skyline of New York be repaired, but what that broken skyline represents; what we all lost on September 11th.; the buildings, the people, the freedom, the security, the innocence. I know I can’t wait and see the tallest building in NY be where it should, and until then, and forever after I know, we’ll just have to remember what we learned on September 11th. On 911 and the days that followed, we gained knowledge about ourselves that no terrorist can take away; people are good and selfless and compassionate and will go out of their way, even lose their own lives, to help another human being in need.

Yes, that’s my New York and that’s what I will remember this September 11th.

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Top Gear: Reviewing the Shows

Posted on August 26, 2011 by admin
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Is it Better Left to the British?

At Big Bucks Auto, there is no way that we could continue writing a blog about cars and the automotive industry without touching on one of the most important things having to do with cars: the Top Gear shows. So, we’re going to take few minutes off from buying your used cars, to ask “Why is Top Gear UK so good and Top Gear US so bad?”

Top Gear History

In November of 2010, the US version of Top Gear came to America’s History channel. For those unfamiliar, Top Gear is a show mostly known to review new cars, but the UK version is so much more than that. It is said to be “essential viewing” because of “the show’s irreverent approach to motoring, the humor and the priceless chemistry between the shows presenters.”

The Top Gear Series began in 1977 as a motoring magazine show. When it relaunch in 2002, TopGear UK became the hilarious riot that it is today. Top Gear UK estimates an audience of 350 million viewers worldwide and the final episode of the 9th Top Gear series earned its place as one of the BBC two’s highest rating shows in a decade. There is also a Russian and an Australian version of Top Gear which we really don’t know, or care, too much about, but it’s funny when the UK guys battle the Aussies.

Of course, like many other British TV shows that become popular, the American version wasn’t that far behind. I admit, I looked forward to having our own version of Top Gear on our side of the pond, until, that is, TopGear US was actually here.

Two seasons after the November 2011 air date and I have to ask: why doesn’t THE INCREDIBLE Top Gear show formula work in the US version?

Why is Top Gear UK So Much Better?

We sat around the Big Bucks Auto offices and discussed it. Overall, the general consensus is that the biggest problem in Top Gear US is lack of chemistry. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have a flow that just cannot be reproduced by Tanner Foust, Adam Ferrara and Rutledge Wood. The US top Gear seems forced and therefore; it’s just not as funny as Top Gear BBC. Plus, like many people, it seems, Wood seriously rubs us the wrong way.
The hosts of the US Top Gear (no offense, guys) seem a little less knowledgeable than their British counterparts. Maybe that’s because they didn’t have years as television journalists and presenters prior to Top Gear like their UK counterparts did.
Another thing I miss is the celebrities. Star in a Reasonably Priced Car isn’t as great as Big Star, Small Car. Top Gear UK has attracted stars such as Tom Cruise, Simon Cowell, Lionel Richie, Chris Evans, Mark Wahlberg, Jay Leno and even Helen Mirren to take a timed lap around a test track to become a “star in a reasonably priced car.” On the History Channel Top Gear, we’ve seen Bret Michaels, Michelle Rodriguez, Bill Engvall and Kid Rock. Seems a little out of balance.

Top Gear’s Big Question: Who is the Stig?

In the Top Gear Series, both US and UK, the true identity of the Stig has always been kept under wraps. In a helmet and a white suit, everyone’s been made to keep guessing who this crash test dummy is. It’s been speculated that Ben Collins was the original Stig on Top Gear UK. It’s also been said that it could be Tif Needell or Damon Hill. Claims have been made that the Stig originally came from this Lexus commercial. More than likely when you watch Top Gear, you’re seeing more than one “Stig” depending on the car being driven and the country. Rumor has it that the Stig will be writing a book about his stint on the Top Gear series.

Top Gear US VS. Top Gear UK : The Winner Is…

You don’t have to be a motorhead to watch Top Gear UK, but to watch the US version it seems like you do. A lot of my buddies refuse to even give the US version a chance, most say it seems “too forced.” Either you get British humor or you don’t, in this case the humor can’t translate. You have to see the original. It seems there’s a reason this didn’t work back in 2005. That year Discover Channel made a pilot based on the UK Top Gear, and in 2008 NBC tried to make Top GEAR US happen, but it never did. This leaves myself and many others wonder why it’s still happening.

So what do you think? Is Top Gear US a hopeless cause? Will they find their footing before cancellation? Are you tuning in?

Or maybe we should just use the Standard Top Gear UK’s “Cool Wall“ rating: Top Gear US is “Seriously Uncool”, ” while Top Gear UK is “Sub Zero”.

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Sell a Used Motorcycle for Cash – Get a Scooter, Instead!

Posted on June 28, 2011 by admin
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As gas prices continue to rise steadily, sales in motorcycles and scooters are also climbing. Recent data from the Motorcycle Industry Council shows that motorcycle sales increased by 7.2% in the first quarter of 2011 (compared to the same time period last year). The interesting part? Sales for motor scooters have increased by almost 50% in the same time frame.  That’s a dramatic jump.

Motorcycle owners have many reasons to consider making the switch to scooters, especially residents of dense urban areas like New York City.

Motorcycles vs Scooters – Which is Right for You?

sell used motorcycle nycIf you travel longer distances, a motorcycle may be an appropriate choice for the budget commuter, as they have a greater range before refueling. For those who value vehicle performance, they accelerate faster that scooters and can be more stable at high speeds due to their weight.

Motor-scooters, on the other hand, are quieter and easier to handle than traditional motorcycles, and can often go just as fast. They’re also easier to learn to ride, since they have no gears or clutch to operate, which can be especially convenient for urbanites in New York City threading through traffic over shorter distances.

Scooters can be less expensive to purchase, cheaper to insure, and lower your monthly gas costs, especially when considering smaller engine models.  And don’t forget the storage capacity (an especially important distinction for New Yorkers).

For New Yorkers, both scooters and motorcycles are great alternatives to cars or crowded subways. They’re faster, highly convenient, and their fuel efficiencies make gas prices comparable to monthly transit fees.

Trading in Your Motorcycle for a Motor-Scooter

As lightweight, low-cost alternatives, scooters are becoming especially desirable as a way to conserve fuel and save money. If you currently own a motorcycle in New York City and are considering a switch, Big Bucks Auto can help you sell your used motorcycle for cash right away.

Wondering how much you can sell your motorcycle for in New York? Visit our Free Quote page to get a quote for your used motorcycle, and you might be steering a nifty new scooter through the streets of Manhattan in no time!

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Sell Your Car in NYC & Collect Top Dollars This Summer: Used Car Prices About to Skyrocket

Posted on June 23, 2011 by admin
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sell car nycIf you have a used car to sell, this is the year to do it. According to CNN Money, the supply of late model used cars (new vehicles in 2008 leased out on the typical 3-year contract) is about to get dramatically smaller.

Car leasing rates dropped in the fall of 2008 as the country fell into the deepest economic recession of our era. Leasing rates plummeted 58% between June and November of that year, and the financing that car dealers need to write new leases disappeared as fears about the future of automakers grew. In 2008, the standard 3-year car lease agreements practically disappeared.

Consequently, the price of used cars has grown significantly since 2008 as supply dwindles. The Manheim used car price index hit a record high this May, with compact used car prices 20% higher this year than in 2010. This is an unprecedented leap. Continue reading →

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The “Sell Cars for Cash” Trend: Expensive Gasoline Prices in New York City Have Residents Beyond Their Breaking Point

Posted on May 18, 2011 by admin
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When expensive gasoline prices reach a certain level, car appraisals start to get more business from those who just can’t afford the inflation.

This seems to be the trend especially for those subjected to gasoline prices in New York City, which falls under the top five cities for most expensive gasoline prices in the country. New York State also falls under the top five most expensive states (out of the continental United States) to buy gasoline.

Usually, there is a breaking point at which Americans will come to the realization that the expensive gasoline prices make owning a car, maintaining it and filling it up with expensive gasoline just isn’t worth it.

Right now, gasoline prices in New York City are averaging in at $4.23 per gallon.

Continue reading →

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