Autoblog News

Buying a used car inherently involves financial risk, but a thorough pre-purchase inspection is widely considered the ultimate safety net. Buyers gladly pay independent mechanics to check fluids, run diagnostics, and examine the undercarriage to avoid bringing home a lemon. However, a recent incident involving a freshly purchased Mazda reminds consumers that even comprehensive inspections are not foolproof guarantees against immediate failures.

According to Motor1, a couple purchased a used Mazda6 after specifically paying for an independent inspection. The mechanic gave the vehicle a clean bill of health, clearing the way for the sale. Yet, just 30 minutes after leaving the lot, the engine began emitting loud noises before failing entirely. This rapid deterioration highlights a grim reality of the used market. An inspection only reveals what is visibly broken at that exact moment. It cannot accurately predict internal component failures lingering on the verge of snapping, especially if previous owners hid severe maintenance neglect.

Mazda

Nightmare scenarios often lead frustrated buyers to question a manufacturer’s entire lineup. However, looking at broader data, the automaker’s overall brand reliability remains largely intact. When evaluating long-term ownership, buyer satisfaction surveys consistently demonstrate that Mazda drivers are fiercely loyal, frequently praising the brand’s sharp driving dynamics and premium interiors compared to economy competitors.

Yet, when comparing Japanese brands for long-term durability, the actual winner depends entirely on the specific maintenance history of the individual vehicle. A neglected Mazda will always be a worse purchase than a meticulously serviced Nissan, regardless of corporate reputation. For example, compact commuter reliability might look fantastic on paper. However, if that specific car was abused as a rental or ignored by previous owners, it can still suffer catastrophic failure mere minutes after passing a seemingly clean mechanic’s inspection.

It is easy to read a nightmare scenario like this and conclude that paying for an inspection is a waste of money. Skipping this step, however, remains the worst mistake a shopper can make. With new data exposing a severe auto affordability crisis, buying second-hand is often the most realistic way to combat skyrocketing prices. A mechanic does not have a crystal ball to predict a thrown rod bearing, but they will absolutely catch a leaking water pump, failing brakes, or hidden rust damage.

The ultimate takeaway is that an inspection is about risk mitigation, not absolute risk elimination. Used cars are complex machines subjected to unpredictable wear and tear. While an inspection cannot offer an ironclad guarantee against sudden engine failure, it remains the most effective tool for filtering out obvious financial disasters before you ever sign the final paperwork.

Mazda

For the 2027 model year of the Chevrolet Corvette, the automaker introduced updates that streamline the lineup and, most importantly, add a new V8. Every new Chevy V8 is an important milestone, given that the brand takes its V8s very seriously.

The older 6.2-liter LT2 is gone, and in its place comes the bigger 6.7-liter LS6; now the question is: how much better is the new one than the old one? Luckily for us, someone decided to find out.

Chevrolet

Car and Driver just released a Testing Hub report comparing the older engine to the new one. Before we get to the results, it’s worth noting that the new LS6 gives the C8 Corvette an additional 40 hp and 50 lb-ft of torque. That means in base trim, it makes 530 hp and 520 lb-ft of torque compared to the LT2’s 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.

To keep things as fair as possible, the test compared the 2020 Corvette 1LT’s results with the latest 2027 1LT. The test car came with the $5,395 Z51 Performance package, which comes with stiffer springs, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, better cooling, and Michelin PS5 tires. It posted a blistering 0-60 mph time of 2.7 seconds, but that isn’t much better than the 2020 model’s 2.8-second 0-60 run.

However, the gap widens: the new car reaches 100 mph in 6.9 seconds and hits 150 mph in 18.6 seconds. That’s much faster than the 2020 cars above, with a 7-second 100 mph time and 19.4 seconds to reach 150 mph.

The LS6 also pushes the 2027 Corvette past the quarter mile faster than the LT2 but not by much. In the quarter mile, the 2027 car reached 124 mph in 11 seconds versus the older engine’s 122 mph in 11.2 seconds.

Chevrolet

Another area where the new car beats the old is the braking system. From 100 mph, the new car stopped in just 297 feet, compared to the older car’s 301 feet. The new car claws back some points in the weight department, with a 55-pound difference affecting grip on the skidpad.

With a bigger displacement, the 2027 Corvette consumes a bit more fuel than the outgoing 6.2-liter. Fuel efficiency is 1 mpg lower than the LT2 across the board, which might not sound like much but is noticeable either way. The LS6 makes up for it in noise, though; according to the test, the new V8 is 6 dB louder than the 2020 car, but remarkably quieter when cruising at 70 mph.

FOX 5 Atlanta/YouTube

The year 2026 has to be one of the busiest in BMW’s history. A raft of all-new and heavily updated models will spill over into 2027. This year alone, the German automaker has launched a barrage of new cars, namely the i3, the redesigned X5 and first-ever iX5, the heavily updated 7 Series and i7, the all-new 3 Series, and most recently, the iX4.

Next year, we could expect BMW to be making even more noise. From what we know so far, the facelifted 5 Series is starting production for its initial rollout soon; there will be a new electric hatchback, and let’s not forget the M3 in both combustion and electric guises. On the more practical (and larger) side, the second-generation X7 is on the way.

Autoblog/SH Proshots

Now that the X3 and X5 are in their newest generations, it was only a matter of time before BMW turned its attention to the X7. It’s been spied and spotted several times already, both in combustion and full-electric iX7 forms. For all we know, some of the first batches of SUVs are already being built in preparation for the launch.

Details are still relatively murky for the flagship SUV, but a recent thread on Reddit claims to have a lot of juicy details. Spotted by BMWBlog, there’s a lot to digest, and it appears it will be more of a 7 Series soon than merely a larger X5.

The Redditor claims to have seen the redesigned X7 unmasked in all its glory. The poster says the SUV will have a ‘conventional’ grille and a 7 Series-like split headlight arrangement. Its taillights will resemble those on the X5, and its overall dimensions will be slightly larger than the outgoing model. On top of that, it will lose the split tailgate, ending nearly 30 years of BMW SUVs with that design.

Of note, BMWBlog noted that the tailgate of the X7 test mules still featured a split design. But if the bit of news about the one-piece tailgate is true, we’ll be sad about the move. The number of SUVs with that kind of tailgate has dwindled over the years, and it does offer added practicality. As for the interior, it doesn’t surprise us that it’s said to get an X5-like cabin, particularly the dash. BMW is keen to push its Panoramic Vision layout across its range, whether we like it or not.

But the rear quarters are what’s of interest. There will be more screens at the back, claimed the post, as the X7 and iX7 will adapt the door-mounted screens to control various functions. It’s also said that the ceiling-mounted screen for on-board entertainment will be offered as an option. Little by little, the X7 is truly becoming the 7 Series of SUVs.

Autoblog/SH Proshots

On top of everything mentioned above, the biggest bombshell is the claim that some pre-production models are already being built. Not only that, but a couple of examples of the Alpina-badged models are also rolling down the production line over at Spartanburg. If so, BMW is transitioning the assembly plant to start building the new X7 and iX7.

Back to the Alpina version, its name isn’t final yet, but it will likely still be called the XB7. The post didn’t mention if Alpina did any exterior or interior changes for its own version of the fast X7. Alpina is now its own marque under the BMW Group’s wing, and we were promised distinction from regular models.

The second-generation X7 is slated for its world premiere in 2027, and it will be for the 2028 model year. The same could apply for the Alpina, and both will be built in Spartanburg. Of course, we’ll only know the full picture once it’s been fully revealed. Even then, it’s a big leap from the outgoing X7.

Autoblog/SH Proshots

If you said BMW i3 a few years ago, people would either tell you about the odd little hatchback that was the brand’s first baby step into mass electrification. You might also get folks saying the electric version of the outgoing 3 Series in China. Of course, there may be blank stares, followed by “what’s an i3?”

The i3 is back (although it never left China) as the car that should help Munich take its electrification efforts to greater heights. It’s almost as if memories of the electric/range extended EV are being wiped away, with not a whole lot of people remembering it.

BMW

The i3 hatchback wasn’t a big hit in America, or pretty much everywhere else. The initial electric version didn’t have much in the way of range, and the later range-extended model was too little too late. Still, there’s a small but dedicated group of people who swear by it and keep its memory alive.

Then, there are folks who want to do something different with it. That was the case for YouTuber Michael Pick. You might think an i3 build would mean dropping the suspension, adding nice wheels, and maybe a non-factory paint job. But Pick totally transformed the little car into something completely different.

Michael Pick/Youtube

Pick had a bit of a dilemma, as he wanted a small electric pickup to combat the high fuel prices. An old V6 Ranger at current gas prices doesn’t help either, which only makes him more inclined to go electric. One might say, get a Slate pickup and get on with it, but it’s not widely available yet.

But instead of just waiting for the Slate truck, Pick decided to build a small EV pickup himself, with an i3 hatchback being the unwitting donor to this little project. More specifically, it’s the range-extended version, so it can actually go far on a charge. Armed with a circular saw, hacksaws, and $10,000, Pick got to work on turning the i3 into a small truck.

It was a bit of a challenge, especially given that the i3’s body is carbon fiber. That said, the car’s platform is a body-on-frame of sorts, so it still has some stiffness. It’s been caged (sort of), so that might help. Questions about rigidity aside, it’s a unique and interesting build that’s all for under $10,000, car included. As one comment pointed out, it’s an amazing use of free will.

Michael Pick/Youtube

Michael Pick/Youtube

The Mazda CX-5 received a major generational update for the 2026 model year, bringing a redesigned exterior, a roomier cabin, and updated technology to the brand’s best-selling crossover. For 2027, Mazda is keeping its entry point unchanged, allowing the CX-5 to remain a sub-$30,000 option in the US market.

The CX-5 2.5 S still starts at $29,990 before destination charges, taxes, and other fees. However, buyers looking at higher trims will notice some changes to the pricing structure, with the range-topping Premium Plus now starting at $38,990.

The destination and handling fee also goes down from $1,595 to $1,495 for 2027, a $100 reduction that helps offset the higher sticker prices on the upper trims.

Trim

2026 MSRP

2027 MSRP

Change

2.5 S

$29,990

$29,990

No change

2.5 S Select

$31,990

$32,140

+$150

2.5 S Preferred

$34,250

$34,550

+$300

2.5 S Premium

$36,900

$37,450

+$550

2.5 S Premium Plus

$38,990

$39,440

+$450

Mazda isn’t making substantial hardware changes this time around, which makes sense considering the crossover’s recent redesign. Instead, the focus remains on the features introduced with the new generation, including improved rear-seat room, additional cargo capacity, and a more modern infotainment setup.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. It works with a six-speed automatic transmission, while Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system comes standard across the lineup. Mi-Drive offers Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes.

Technology is a key part of the package. The base model gets a 12.9-inch touchscreen, Google built-in, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For 2027, Mazda also highlights Google’s Gemini AI assistant, replacing the Google Assistant featured in early 2026 models. Wireless smartphone integration becomes available on the Select trim.

Higher grades add amenities such as heated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose 12-speaker sound system, and a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen. The Premium Plus also includes a 360-degree camera system and lane-change assistance.

Mazda

Mazda says the 2027 model is coming to dealerships “in the coming months.” Now, if you’re holding out for better fuel economy, the hybrid is still playing hard to get. The 2027 CX-5 sticks with its familiar gas engine, and Mazda is keeping quiet on specs or pricing for anything electrified.

However, the company says it will announce additional powertrain options in 2027. That leaves room for a hybrid to join the lineup, although its exact arrival date and configuration remain unconfirmed. Hopefully soon, considering the CX-5’s rivals are all enjoying a boost in sales with their hybrid offerings.

Cole Attisha

As we inch closer to 2027, more details are surfacing about the 2027 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, and the latest development in the models’ spec sheets is an improved ride.

General Motors will roll out an upgraded version of its Adaptive Ride Control (ARC) suspension. While the technology is already present in previous model years, the next-generation pickup trucks will feature an upgraded version that improves ride quality and handling.

This is great news on top of new powertrains, new features, and other new things for the 2027 models of GM’s full-sized twins. Some will be skeptical, some may expect a recall, but the news looks good for now.

GMC

Otherwise known as ARC, for short, is GM’s play on Continuous Damping Control (CDC). The system can change suspension damping on the fly, making it slower or faster and improving ride quality across road conditions. The system relies on wheel position sensors, a dedicated control module, and an actuator that opens and closes a valve in the dampers to continuously adjust suspension damping while driving.

It’s a cheaper, less complex version of Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology, which trickled down from supercars and found its way into more “normal” cars. While MRC is the top of the heap in the adaptive suspension space, it’s more expensive and requires magnetorheological fluid. ARC, meanwhile, uses traditional dampers with a valve and an electronic actuator.

Chevrolet

An additional wheel position sensor has been added, bringing the total from three to four in the entire system. The new sensor will be positioned at the rear of the Silverado and Sierra and will provide another data stream to the computer, giving it an even better picture of the damping the suspension needs to deliver.

With more “resolution,” so to speak, more data streams will enable more precise adaptability. While the current system is already good enough, an extra layer of information would enable further optimizations.

GM’s Executive Chief Engineer for the 2027 Silverado and Sierra weighs in. Mark Dickens said in an interview with GM Authority that “you really have to drive it. The tuning improvements with the extra sensor deliver substantial improvements in ride and handling.” Hopefully, the Autoblog team can feel those improvements when GM unleashes its new full-sized twin trucks soon.

GMC

Toyota is recalling certain Lexus NX crossovers for an instrument panel failure, an issue that has led to multiple other Toyota/Lexus recalls over the last year or so. As these panels are now fully digital and software-controlled, they’re more prone to failing than older, analog clusters. The latest recall involves nearly 70,000 examples of the popular NX crossover, which is behind only the RX in U.S. sales. Here’s a breakdown of the recall and when owners can expect a fix to become available.

Lexus

The new recall affects multiple Lexus NX variants, from the base gas model to the powerful plug-in hybrid. Here’s a look at impacted models:

Variant

Units Affected

Model Years

NX 250

1,245

2022-2024

NX 350

29,099

2022-2024

NX 350h

26,554

2022-2024

NX 450h+

11,458

2022-2024

In total, 68,356 examples of the NX are potentially affected by the fault.

According to the recall report, published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles are equipped with a seven-inch display combination meter. When starting the vehicle, an initialization error may cause certain areas of the display to go blank. This could conceal key information from the driver, including engine oil pressure, engine coolant temperature, or electrical charge. If any of these conditions occur, the driver may not be aware. This could lead to severe mechanical damage or increase the chances of a crash.

Lexus

The first step for Lexus NX owners is determining whether their vehicles are part of the recall population. If it’s not a 2022, 2023, or 2024 model, that automatically rules it out. Owner notification letters will only be mailed from December 7, 2026. Before then, NX owners may contact Toyota’s customer care at 1-800-331-4331 for more information, using the recall number 26LA10.

The recall report does not state when affected vehicles will become searchable on the NHTSA’s website. When this happens, customers will be able to confirm if the recall impacts their vehicle by searching using their unique VIN.

When the remedy is ready, customers will be required to visit their nearest dealer to have the combination meter software updated. This will be done at no charge. 

In the meantime, we would advise owners to regularly check coolant and oil levels as another precautionary measure. 

Related: 2027 Lexus NX Drops Gas-Only Engines as Hybrids Take Over

Toyota

Some of Toyota’s largest recalls of the year have involved instrument panel failures. The most significant one occurred in August 2026, when over 500,000 Camry models were recalled for precisely the same reason as the NX. These models have a similar seven-inch combination meter display.

In May, another similar recall affected over 81,000 models, including the Lexus UX and Toyota Land Cruiser. This time, models with the larger 12.3-inch display were affected. A year ago, another 591,000 Toyotas were recalled for blank displays, taking the total number to over a million vehicles.

While Toyota’s mechanical reliability is still revered, the automaker’s transition to digital dashboards has not been smooth. The issue has demonstrated the downside of increasingly software-defined vehicles, even for the world’s most trusted automaker. Where an older Toyota could once go its entire lifetime without an instrument cluster failure, computer-powered displays are vulnerable to glitches in cars that have barely left the showroom floor.

Toyota is by no means the only legacy brand facing software-related failures of this nature, but it’s more surprising when the brand that’s the benchmark for dependability can’t seem to find a more permanent solution.

Related: Toyota’s 6 Biggest Recalls of 2026 Affect Nearly 1.7 Million Vehicles

Subaru is one of the few major automakers, alongside Porsche, still widely using boxer engines. This type of engine provides smoother operation, as opposing pistons move in opposite directions to help cancel out vibrations, and a lower center of gravity, which can reduce body roll and improve handling.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Subaru’s first boxer engine, which was introduced in the Subaru 1000 in 1966. To commemorate the milestone, the automaker is offering a special-edition BRZ limited to just 66 examples. The catch, however, is that it will only be available in China, though the special edition still shines a spotlight on the brand’s boxer engine, which is set to disappear from its European lineup by 2028 due to stricter emissions and other regulations.

Autohome

The BRZ 60th Anniversary Edition isn’t the first Subaru to celebrate the milestone. Subaru China also introduced 60th Anniversary Edition packages for the Crosstrek and Forester earlier this year.

According to China’s Autohome, the special-edition BRZ gets 60th-anniversary graphics, complemented by exclusive gray paint and STI front-fender accents. An STI flexible V-shaped strut brace is also added to improve steering response and chassis behavior.

Safety is likewise improved with a new wide-angle monocular camera for the EyeSight system, which enhances detection of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly at low-speed intersections. The U.S.-bound BRZ also received a new wide-angle mono camera for the 2027 model year, along with added rear parking sensors for the tS model.

The manual version receives a Sport mode, which improves throttle responsiveness. Speaking of which, the engine remains unchanged, with the 60th Anniversary Edition retaining the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four. It’s the same engine found in the Toyota GR86 and makes approximately 231 horsepower in China, compared to 228 horsepower in the U.S.

Autohome

The BRZ 60th Anniversary Edition with the stick shift is priced at 299,800 yuan (about $44,950 at current exchange rates), while the automatic-equipped version costs 309,800 yuan (approximately $46,450). In the U.S., the regular 2027 BRZ starts at $36,140, excluding destination charges.

It is unclear whether Subaru will bring an equivalent 60th Anniversary Edition to the U.S. market. But for those looking for exclusivity, perhaps the 2026 BRZ Series.Yellow is the closest alternative. Based on the BRZ tS, the 350-unit Series.Yellow features exclusive Sunrise Yellow paint and STI performance upgrades.

Autohome

Snow is expected across parts of seven states through Monday night, with the best chance of accumulation on higher terrain and mostly slush on the roads below. Any slush left overnight could freeze into hard ruts as temperatures drop on Tuesday, when tall vehicles and trailers could also face strong crosswinds in parts of the region.

AccuWeather expects colder air to pull into the system as it tracks from the Rockies toward the Dakotas, western Minnesota and the eastern half of Montana, with heavier snow developing below the highest terrain. Higher ground in Wyoming and Colorado gets rain mixed with wet snow. Accumulation is forecast from northwestern Nebraska and the eastern edge of Wyoming into southwestern North Dakota, and Denver should miss most of it.

The Weather Prediction Center is more cautious than the private outlook, calling temperatures marginal and noting that snow falling before sunrise stands a better chance of sticking:

• Black Hills: several inches possible according to Bob Smerbeck, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, while the Weather Prediction Center puts the chance of at least 2 inches at 20 to 30 percent.

Snow that falls on pavement above freezing quickly turns to slush instead of packing down. Slush cuts traction because the tire has to push a mix of water and ice out of the way before the tread can grip the road.

Shallow tread leaves less room in the grooves to move that mix, and at highway speed the tire can start to ride on top of it. Steering feels light and stopping distances get longer. Slush also piles into ridges between lanes, and running one side of the car through a ridge can pull the steering toward it, so lane changes are safer taken slowly.

Related: Buying Winter tires? Here’s What You Need To Know Before Spending Big

Slush thrown up by passing trucks covers a windshield faster than rain. Summer washer fluid can freeze in the lines once temperatures drop below 32 degrees, and without fluid the wipers smear slush across the glass instead of clearing it. A winter fluid with a freezing point rated for the temperatures ahead lowers that risk.

The National Weather Service in Riverton has a high wind watch from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Tuesday for the Green Mountains and Rattlesnake Range and lower Natrona County, including Casper and Jeffrey City, with southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph gusting to 60 and stronger gusts possible along South Pass and Outer Drive in Casper. The watch says travel could be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, which covers pickups with campers, vans, box trucks and anything towing a trailer.

Tall, flat sides give a crosswind more surface to push against. Lower speed gives the driver more time to correct when a gust moves the vehicle toward the next lane or the shoulder.

Related: Is Your Car Ready for Snow? Here’s a Winter Maintenance Checklist to Find Out

AccuWeather expects unpaved surfaces to accumulate first, which in the Black Hills means ranch roads, forest service roads and trailhead lots, where snow over soft ground quickly turns to mud. KOTA then has Rapid City dropping into the upper 20s on Tuesday, cold enough for slush left on the roads Monday night to freeze into hard ruts.

Of course you do. Who could forget that pint-sized bruiser? The Honda Fit was the king of squeezing big practicality into a tiny package, all while sipping fuel like it was rationed. It was easy to love – until America collectively fell in love with crossovers and forgot about hatchbacks.

But here’s something surprising: outside the US, the Fit is called the Jazz. And if that sounds unusual, the Jazz name was once used for something completely different – a diesel-powered SUV built for off-roading.

Honda

Let us explain. The Fit and Jazz hatchbacks became known for their smart design, small size, and everyday practicality. But the Jazz name actually goes back further. Before the hatchback, Honda used it for a sturdy little 4WD that seemed more at home on a muddy trail than in a grocery store parking lot.

Flashback to October 16, 1993: Honda needed something to plug a gap in its lineup. But this wasn’t just a hatchback with some chunky tires bolted on. Nope, this Jazz was basically an Isuzu in Honda clothing.

Honda

The Honda Fit arrived in 2001 and quickly became known as a small car that could do a lot. In most countries outside the US, it was called the Jazz. So, depending on where you lived, you drove either a Fit or a Jazz, but they were the same smart hatchback.

What made it special was its practical interior, fuel-efficient engines, and small size that made parking easy. It was a smart alternative to larger family cars, without making you sacrifice space for your belongings or friends – and fun to drive, too. We just wish Honda finds it in their hearts to bring back the nameplate.

But here’s the twist: the Jazz name had already been used on a totally different Honda, long before the first Fit ever rolled off the line. That original Jazz was on a mission that had nothing to do with sipping fuel or city driving.

Honda

Back in the early ’90s, Japan was wild about recreational vehicles. The Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Hilux Surf were flying off lots, but Honda? They didn’t have a true off-roader to throw into the mix.

So Honda did what any resourceful carmaker would do: it borrowed from its friends. Rover helped out with the Crossroad, and Isuzu stepped in with the Mu.

So in October 1993, the Honda Jazz hit the scene – a rebadged Isuzu Mu, right down to its compact SUV shape and part-time 4WD. The changes? Mostly skin-deep: a new grille, some different wheels, Honda badges, fresh paint, and a few tweaks inside.

Isuzu

Under the hood, you got a 3.1-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder with 118 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Buyers could pick between a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto – take your pick.

The Isuzu Mu first showed up in 1989 as a compact two-seater, but it soon got more body styles. Thanks to its ladder-frame chassis and tough bones, it was a real-deal off-roader – not just a crossover playing dress-up.

Honda’s badge-engineering phase didn’t last long. Soon enough, they rolled out their own hits: Odyssey, CR-V, Step Wagon – the works. These homegrown models let Honda ride the SUV wave without leaning on anyone else’s hardware.

So next time you see a Honda Jazz zipping around town, remember: that name once belonged to a diesel-chugging, four-wheel-drive SUV. Talk about a split personality.

Honda