Win a Gymkhana-Inspired Subaru WRX STI & $20,000 Cash!

Omaze really knows how to get us car enthusiasts excited for a good cause! We didn’t think it could get much better than their benefit campaign for The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which features VIN 001 of the Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition. And there is this super-cool Airstream Atlas that benefits First Descents.

To keep the momentum going, Omaze now has the chance for you to win a one-of-a-kind Subaru WRX STI, custom-built by the same team that made Travis Pastrana’s Gymkhana car.  

One Epic Subaru WRX STI

This unique WRX STI, designed by Subaru Motorsports USA and the same team that built Travis Pastrana’s actual Gymkhana car, is equipped with carbon fiber aero components, a rally suspension, rally handbrake, and an unmistakable livery.

As for the powertrain, we’re talking about a 2.5-liter turbo flat-four Boxer engine with 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft. of torque, good enough for a top speed of 160. Along with the Boxer engine, this special WRX STI features a six-speed manual transmission, a Symmetrical AWD system, Reiger rally competition coilovers, Cusco sway bars, and a set of Brembo Performance brakes (six-piston front, four-piston rear).

And there is a big heaping scoop of Hoonigan Customizations too! This includes things like the cat-back exhaust, carbon fiber rear wing, STI front splitter, rear diffuser, carbon fiber hood boomerangs, front and rear canards, skid plates, and even mud flaps.

How to Enter to Win

You can enter to win this awesome Subaru WRX STI by visiting the official page for this Omaze campaign. 

By participating in this campaign, you are benefiting Team Rubicon and Feeding America. Team Rubicon serves communities by mobilizing veterans to continue their service, leveraging their skills and experience to help people prepare, respond, and recover from disasters and humanitarian crises. Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. Their network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs serve virtually every community in the United States, reaching 40 million people (including 12 million children and seven million seniors).

Check out the gallery of this Gymkhana-inspired Subaru WRX STI below.

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Original article: Win a Gymkhana-Inspired Subaru WRX STI & $20,000 Cash!

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Honda Maintenance Cost: How Much Will You Pay? (2021)

• Honda drivers pay an average of $428 per year for maintenance and repairs.
• Honda vehicles are reliable, and their maintenance costs are below the industry average.
• Extended auto warranties and prepaid maintenance plans can help reduce Honda ownership costs.

Affiliate disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you purchase the products below.

Your annual Honda maintenance cost may be lower than average, as Hondas are known for their reliability. However, you should still have an auto budget set aside for scheduled services and repairs. 

In this article, we’ll cover average annual Honda maintenance costs so you can know what to expect to pay. We’ll also discuss the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule, factors that affect maintenance costs, and ways to save on your overall ownership expenses.

One way to save is by purchasing an extended car warranty. These contracts reduce out-of-pocket expenses when you have a mechanical breakdown. You can learn more about our top picks for extended warranty coverage using the button below. 

Best Extended Warranty Check out our top picks for your car: View Article

Average Honda Maintenance Cost

According to RepairPal, drivers pay an average of $428 in annual Honda maintenance costs, which includes routine services and unscheduled repairs. Compared to other brands, Hondas are very affordable to maintain. The industry’s average annual maintenance cost is $652, and yearly expenses for some car brands – especially luxury brands – cost much more.

Honda maintenance costs also depend on the vehicle. Here’s a comparison of some popular Honda models: 

Honda Model	Average Annual Honda Maintenance Cost*
Honda Civic	$368
Honda Fit	$390
Honda Accord	$400
Honda CR-V	$407
Honda Odyssey	$547

*Data from RepairPal.

What Determines Honda Maintenance Costs?

RepairPal gives Honda a 4.0 out of 5.0-star rating and ranks it first place out of 32 car brands for its reliability. To calculate this score, RepairPal considers reported repair costs, frequency, and severity. Here’s how Honda vehicles stack up:

• Drivers visit the repair shop less frequently than the industry average, though marginally.
• Hondas are less likely to sustain a severe repair. All of these factors contribute to lower Honda maintenance costs.
• Honda replacement parts are affordable, especially when compared to the cost of luxury vehicles’ specialty components.

While average Honda maintenance costs are affordable, your overall ownership costs will depend on how well you maintain the vehicle. Following recommended maintenance schedules help you spot problems early and save money on repairs. On the other hand, if you neglect car maintenance, a Honda may cost far more than the annual average.

To give you a better idea of your Honda’s annual maintenance services, we detailed an example service schedule below, according to Majestic Honda:

Honda Service Interval	Maintenance Item
Every 7,500 miles	Engine oil change and tire rotation
Every 15,000 miles	Engine oil change and systems inspection
Every 30,000 miles	Air filter replacement
Every 45,000 miles	Brake fluid and coolant change
90,000 miles	Brake fluid and transmission fluid change
105,000 miles	Timing belt, spark plugs, and coolant replacement

Your brakes, suspension, air conditioning, and fuel system will be inspected at different service intervals to ensure they’re working properly. Keep in mind that this maintenance schedule provides general guidelines for 2019 Hondas. Driving habits and road conditions can also affect your routine services. We recommend consulting your owner’s manual or Honda’s website to find information specific to your vehicle.

Beyond scheduled maintenance costs, you’ll need to budget for unexpected repairs. According to RepairPal, Honda drivers commonly encounter the following issues:

• Ignition switch fails
• Air conditioning blows warm air
• Electric sliding doors malfunction

Can a Car Warranty Lower Your Honda Maintenance Cost?

Car repair costs only increase as a vehicle ages. It can be expensive for many drivers to cover repairs out of pocket – a major repair can cost $1,000 or more. An extended auto warranty can reduce the impact repairs have on your budget, which can help in the long term. Rather than pay for repairs outright, drivers are only responsible for a deductible and a one-time or monthly contract payment.

Honda Extended Warranty

The Honda extended warranty can last up to eight years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. You can choose between four Honda Care coverage plans as well as a Honda Care prepaid maintenance program, but dealership mechanics must perform covered repairs and services.

Extended Warranty From a Third-Party Provider

Many reputable extended car warranty companies offer more flexible and affordable options than Honda. Third-party vehicle service contracts come in a variety of coverage levels so you can customize your plan. Most third-party plans are also valid at any repair facility licensed by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE^®), which means you choose the mechanic you’re most comfortable with.

If you’re looking to save money on coverage, third-party extended warranties often cost less than the manufacturer’s option. In our research, plans from leading providers cost between $70 and $100 per month. Since Honda vehicles can also last longer than Honda’s maximum 120,000-mile term limit, it may be best to opt for third-party plans, which can extend up to 200,000 or 250,000 miles. Additionally, some warranty companies offer maintenance plans.

Top Recommendations for Extended Car Warranties

The best way to shop for an extended car warranty is to contact multiple providers. If you speak with a sales representative, you can let them know you’re shopping around. Sometimes, you can find extra discounts when companies know you’re comparing your options.

You can make the most of your time by getting quotes from the best providers first. Some of our top picks include Endurance, CARCHEX, and Protect My Car.

Endurance: Best Overall

After comparing many providers, we named Endurance the Best Overall. The company has great customer service, extensive coverage options, and affordable prices. Endurance offers six coverage plans that range from a basic powertrain warranty to an exclusionary bumper-to-bumper warranty plan. There’s also a plan called EnduranceAdvantage^TM that covers both mechanical repairs and routine maintenance – which could be a great way to save on Honda maintenance costs.

Find out more about our top pick in our Endurance warranty review, and get a free quote from the provider by clicking below. 

Best Overall

Get Quote (877) 374-1840 Industry veteran that handles your plan directly, from quote to claim

CARCHEX: Best for Older Vehicles

If you want to cover repairs for your Honda into its golden years, we recommend reaching out to CARCHEX. The provider covers vehicles up to 250,000 miles, which is significantly longer than Honda’s extended warranty plan. CARCHEX’s five coverage plans are the best options for high-mileage vehicles, and industry leaders like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, and CARFAX endorse the provider’s warranties. 

Read our CARCHEX review to learn more, and get a free, personalized quote from CARCHEX below. 

Best for Older Vehicles

Get Quote (866) 254-0205 Top-rated provider with unmatched customer service and affordable coverage

Protect My Car: Best Maintenance Plans

Protect My Car is unique because it offers three extended warranty plans and three maintenance plans. By fixing your routine maintenance costs, the Ambassador maintenance plans can help you reduce your overall Honda ownership expenses (and combat inflation). Covered services include oil changes and tire rotations.

Learn more in our Protect My Car review, and get a free quote from Protect My Car below. 

Best Maintenance Plans

Get Quote (888) 430-0227 Its Ambassador Maintenance Plan guarantees 25-50% off repairs plus covered oil changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Honda expensive to maintain?

No. According to RepairPal, Honda vehicles cost, on average, $428 for annual maintenance and repairs. Compared to the industry average of $652, Hondas are more affordable to maintain than many other cars.

Are Honda cars high-maintenance?

Honda vehicles require a standard amount of maintenance, so they are not considered “high-maintenance” vehicles. If you get regular oil changes and stick to the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule, your Honda will last for a long time. 

Is Honda more reliable than Toyota?

According to RepairPal, Honda is more reliable than Toyota, but only slightly. Vehicles from both companies have low maintenance costs, though RepairPal ranks Honda in first place and Toyota in seventh place for reliability.

Original article: Honda Maintenance Cost: How Much Will You Pay? (2021)

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Bad Winners takes the Thruxton 1200 from good to great

Four years ago, the Paris workshop Bad Winners wowed us with a custom Thruxton café racer called ‘Zero Gravity.’ Company founder Walid Ben Lamine has now released v.2.0 of that killer build, and he’s planning a limited production run of 25 units.

The new kit is based on a current-model Thruxton 1200 RS, and the stats are impressive. It lops just over 30 kilos from the curb weight, and adds over 20 horsepower—so it’s not just a very pretty face. A fully kitted-out Thruxton will weigh around 165 kilos (364 pounds) and pump out 125 horses, which sounds like a recipe for amusement.

The engine has been hot-rodded, starting with a TEC cam that has more lift, duration and overlap than the standard cam. A high-flow air intake kit from Free Spirits increases power still further, with gases exiting via Termignoni exhaust pipes and a stubby, custom-made muffler from SC-Project.

A Dynojet Power Commander V with a custom Bad Winners map keeps the liquid-cooled parallel twin in optimum tune.

Power is only one half of the performance equation, so Bad Winners have also focused on ‘adding lightness.’ Ultra-light 17-inch Dymag CA5 monobloc carbon fiber wheels make a big difference to the handling dynamics, and weigh less than three kilos apiece.

The wheels are shod with Pirelli Diablo SuperCorsa road-legal race tires, in the SC2 compound. The 180-section rear tire and slightly wider rim than stock means that Walid had to fit an offset front sprocket to ensure proper chain alignment.

The tank cover, headlight cover, seat unit and front fender are all carbon fiber too. But there’s a traditional touch with the black leather seat, complete with angular pleats echoing white painted stripes that partially conceal the beautiful carbon weave on the tank.

The cockpit gets not-so-subtle upgrades too, with discreet Motone switchgear, plus Renthal clip-ons attached to a custom triple tree with an integrated digital dashboard. And that’s where most of Bad Winners’ development work has focused in the past few months.

“The electronics on modern bikes are a massive issue when you’re planning a build,” says Walid. “That’s why we decided to work on our dashboard. We have developed our own motherboard and software—we have an electronic engineer in-house—so we can communicate with any CAN Bus system.”

Bad Winners already have setups for Triumph bikes, the Husqvarna 701s, the Ducati Scrambler, the BMW R nine T, and the Yamaha XSR700/MT-07. “It’ll be on the market at the end of April,” says Walid.

It’s a high tech approach to a build that still looks decidedly analog on the outside, and we love the contrast. But Zero Gravity 2.0 almost didn’t happen.

Bad Winners hit a shaky patch due to Covid-19, but is now on solid ground as a business. “In March 2020 we almost closed the company when the first lockdown arrived,” Walid reveals.

“There were too many problems for us to work properly, finish projects or deliver to clients. Our cashflow was dying. But we decided to focus our effort on the digital side and the webshop. It worked, and we doing well now.”

Walid is now working out of a big new 560 sq. meter (6,000 sq. ft.) space, and the company is nine-strong. “We now produce kits and series runs of bikes,” he says. “It’s the only viable business model.”

If you’ve got a recent model Thruxton and fancy something a little lighter and more nimble, hit up Bad Winners via their website. We reckon they’re onto something here.

Bad Winners | Facebook | Instagram | Images by Pictures and Motion Studio

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New Car Features Available In 2021

When you look at car manufacturing and the way that the designs of cars have changed over the years, it is clear to see that technology has played a huge part in changing the way that we drive forever. But with so much being changed already, what more is there to add? In this article, we will be showing you some of the new car features out there for you to look forward to 2021.

A Rise In Electric Cars

With several new features coming into the car market in 2021, the rise in the number of electric cars has seen a huge uptick as more and more manufactures look to follow in the footsteps of Tesla and begin to create the next best electric vehicle for those that are looking to take the plunge. With so many models coming out as well as several hybrid models, this is set to be a huge trend as we head further into 2021.

More Customization Options Than Ever Before

With so many of us wanting every aspect of our cars to be perfect, there has been a shift in the customization options that manufactures are now offering. With the option of adding tailored car mats as well as the ability to customize the smells in your car and the chrome around air vents to name just a few, the level of customization in several of the more modern cars on the market has become a huge selling point. Though these cars may look similar on the outside, the interiors are often completely different.

Blind Spot Monitors

As the design of the cars on the market at this time are changing, there has been a huge increase in the number of blind spots that are visible from the car.

With the blind-spot monitors built into the car, this makes driving even safer regardless of the car you are driving. With smart computers and sensors everywhere, this is a simple and effective way of monitoring blind spots and making sure that you are transitioning between lanes safely, allowing you to drive to and from your location without the risk of putting your friends and family at risk.

Speed Camera Detectors.

If you are someone that travels frequently on motorways, then you have lightly been flashed by a speed camera at one point that you didn’t even know was there. If this is the case, then the speed camera detectors in so many of the modern vehicles is a godsend as it allows you to know exactly where they are and the speed that you are meant to be doing as you drive through the speed camera. This could therefore be enough to make sure that you do not get a ticket when riding on the motorway.

With this in mind, there are several customization options and new technology added to the modern car to make the driving experience not only more enjoyable but as safe as possible. Which of these are you excited for?

The post New Car Features Available In 2021 first appeared on Automotorblog: Daily news on cars and motorcycles.

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