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  • Fleet of Secret Service Chevy Suburban HDs With Superchargers Now Available to the Public

    Fleet of Secret Service Chevy Suburban HDs With Superchargers Now Available to the Public

    There’s no question that the government gets some of the coolest vehicles. A 6.6-liter, Duramax-diesel-powered Cadillac limo? Good luck finding that in a showroom. Then, there are the Chevrolet Suburban HDs that trawl the streets of Washington, D.C. I see those pop up for sale occasionally, but right now, a small fleet of them is up for grabs—complete with full armor and Lingenfelter superchargers.

    I first saw a pair of the Suburban HDs on Facebook, with the post saying they were in Texas. Ben Kelsey, the seller, explained to me that he bought them directly from an armored car manufacturer. Not long after, Northeast Auto Imports posted an identical truck—and it’s one of four!

    As it turns out, each of these 2019 Suburban HDs was leased to the government for Secret Service and Capitol Police duty. Most of them are practically the same, though one of Kelsey’s is an LS trim without armor, and one of Northeast Auto Imports’ ‘Burbs is painted white. (Kelsey’s non-armored car also lacks a supercharger.)

    “When I bought [the first one], I did not realize it was armored,” Kelsey told me. “I was actually buying it for myself. I was like, ‘Supercharged? Cool. Good deal. I’ll buy it.’ I showed up and said, ‘Oh, this is not what I expected.’”

    Kelsey said it drives like an absolute boat, which makes sense given the nearly 12,000-pound curb weight. “It doesn’t want to turn. It doesn’t want to stop. It just wants to go straight. That’s it,” he said.

    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Kelsey drove his all the way home from New Hampshire, and he only had to stop every 600 miles or so for gas. That must be a massive tank! Ben Kelsey

    Derek Griffith, owner of Northeast Auto Imports, elaborated on how he stumbled across these big boys. “We actually drove past the facility and started talking [about] acquiring these a little bit more regularly,” he said. “All four of them are the exact same model years and armored setup except that one of the trucks is white, which is, I guess, super rare.”

    Kelsey actually told me he plans to keep his non-armored Suburban HD, unless he can find a white one. Maybe he should work out a deal with Griffith and Co.

    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    Chevy Suburban HD
    The B6 Scaletta armoring package includes glass that’s roughly two inches thick. Northeast Auto Imports

    Anywho, these Suburban HDs run a 6.0-liter V8, with five of the six featuring upgraded heads and a Lingenfelter blower. Run-flat tires are standard issue on the armored models, and they’re wrapped around eight-lug wheels that fasten to one-ton axles. That alone makes these extra special, as most Suburban HDs are built on three-quarter-ton Silverado 2500 running gear.

    Kelsey’s is the lowest-mileage example that’s currently for sale with 21,000 miles, and he’s asking $139,000. Northeast Auto Imports’ lone car that’s been listed so far has 35,000 miles on it, and it’s priced at $105,000. When I spoke to Griffith on the phone, he’d just hung up with a potential customer, and he’s fielding offers on the units he has before they’re even officially listed. Likewise, Kelsey is sure to unload his in no time, living in truck-crazed Texas.

    Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com

    From running point on new car launch coverage to editing long-form features and reviews, Caleb does some of everything at The Drive. And he really, really loves trucks.

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  • Honda Unveils Compelling Offers To Get a 2026 Accord Lease Deal This June

    Honda Unveils Compelling Offers To Get a 2026 Accord Lease Deal This June

    Overview, Specs Details

    The 2026 Honda Accord continues to serve as a benchmark in the midsize sedan segment by blending daily usability with refined driving dynamics. The entry-level LX trim comes standard with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 192 horsepower paired to a continuously variable transmission. Inside the cabin drivers find a clean layout featuring a modern touchscreen alongside standard smartphone integration and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.

    Choosing this base trim ensures a comfortable commuter vehicle that does not compromise on modern technology or fuel efficiency. Packaging remains highly straightforward meaning the manufacturer suggested retail price sits at a competitive $29,590 before local taxes and fees. Finding affordable Honda Accord lease deals on a brand-new model makes this reliable sedan an attractive alternative to similarly priced compact crossovers.

    Honda


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    Lease Offer Details

    Honda is currently promoting financing for the LX trim through early July dividing options between standard terms and a specialized loyalty or conquest incentive. The special rate relies on a $750 award applied directly to the down payment assistance which drops the monthly commitment for returning drivers or those switching from rival brands. To ensure you qualify for the exact figures we recommend you visit the brand’s official offer page for a more accurate projection.

    Offer Type Monthly Payment Due at Signing Purchase Option

    Standard Lease

    $259

    $3,999

    $18,345.80

    Special Lease

    $239

    $3,999

    $18,345.80

    Reviewing the exact contractual obligations reveals a closed-end structure with defined termination options and mileage parameters. Drivers must monitor their driving habits to avoid paying up to twenty cents per mile over the 10,000 annual limit at the end of the three-year term. The breakdown above outlines what you can expect to pay before local dealership contributions adjust the final numbers.

    Honda


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    Market Rivals

    To understand if you should lease Honda Accord models today comparing them against primary midsize segment competitors remains an essential step. The Toyota Camry stands as its fiercest challenger featuring a hybrid powertrain that emphasizes maximum fuel economy over outright sportiness. The Hyundai Sonata provides another distinct alternative utilizing bold exterior styling alongside a lengthy factory warranty program to attract value-conscious buyers.

    Additionally the Nissan Altima occupies this space by offering available all-wheel drive and a highly approachable entry price. Checking alternative Accord lease deals alongside these market rivals helps clarify where your monthly budget goes the furthest. Identifying the lowest Honda Accord lease price helps shoppers see how midsize cars still offer excellent value in a utility-heavy market.

    Joe Santos


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    original article

    The Low Down

    If you are hunting for practical Honda Accord leasing options these current terms present a genuinely compelling case. Paying under $260 a month for a highly rated modern midsize sedan is a refreshing sight in today’s market especially given the low net capitalized cost. The conquest incentive makes it even sweeter if you are moving away from a rival brand effectively rewarding you for switching stables.

    My professional recommendation is to jump on this opportunity if you already planned on securing a midsize commuter this summer. The upfront payment of $3,999 is undeniably steep for a base trim but the incredibly low monthly damage easily offsets that initial hit over the next three years. These particular Honda Accord lease offers provide an excellent balance of reliability safety and completely predictable operating costs.

    Honda

    Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.

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  • Canola oil returns to Nullarbor to rescue EV travellers

    Canola oil returns to Nullarbor to rescue EV travellers

    The EV chargers on the Eyre National Highway, across the Nullarbor Plain from Norseman in Western Australia to the South Australian border, have been plagued with reliability and capacity problems from the moment they were installed in 2025.

    In retrospect, the decision to run chargers directly from the constrained generator capacity at three remote, off grid roadhouses has not aged well.

    Two sites run at maximum of 30 kW (shared if two EVs), and the other at Mundrabilla regularly – and infamously – blacks out the entire roadhouse, resulting in the owner (not unreasonably) limiting charging to 11kW AC only.

    It is not a good look for the main National highway between WA and the eastern states. Standard range EVs have been taking  up to 14 hours to cover the 650 km stretch, with over half that time taken up by slow charging.

    We are fortunate in WA to have Brad Pettitt, an Upper House Greens MP who has repeatedly forwarded concerns from the WA EV community directly to the energy minister. This appears to have had some results.

    Horizon Power has contracted for a 50kW Biofil unit running on canola oil which was installed late last month at the rear of the Mundrabilla roadhouse, 77 km from the SA border. The owner and inventor, Jon Edwards, has simplified and refined this unit so that it is  easy to use, with clear instructions. There is no charge for use and it is not on the Chargefox network.

    It harks back to the halcyon days in 2024 when briefly there were three Biofils on this stretch of highway, making the trip a relative doddle.

    Norseman is the gateway to the Eyre Highway, and there is very little other reason to pass through. The EV charger there has had an average of 43 uses per month, despite the fact that its DC charger has been out of order for the past 13 weeks. 

    If all these EV drivers use the free charger at Mundrabilla, its 1,000 litre canola tank will require refilling every six weeks. It is being used more because the NRMA solar unit at Border village was destroyed by a truck.

    Based on Horizon Power’s data, the Eyre Highway is getting roughly double the traffic of the more publicised North West WA highway which takes tourists to Shark Bay and Exmouth. For some reason EV drivers are succumbing to the Nullarbor madness in significant numbers.

    That a key charger at Norseman could be out of service for 13 weeks goes to the heart of the problems within Horizon Power around maintenance and accountability. The Eyre highway chargers remain unfit for purpose, based on reliability and slow charging speeds. The biofil unit turns this situation around a little but is a temporary solution.

    My suggestion is that the recent decision by Energy Policy WA to award the Queensland charger company eLumina a contract to provide 160kW battery based chargers running off constrained power sources on the Great Northern Highway in WA points to a reliable longer term solution.

    These units are ideal for off grid sites with constrained power and a relatively low number of EV charges. They are robust, built to mining sector standards, have proven reliability and cost well under half the original amount allocated to each the four off grid  sites on the Eyre Highway.

    The entire WA EV community awaits some prudent decisions around this.

     

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  • Flooded Car? FAQs for Affected Owners and Shoppers

    Flooded Car? FAQs for Affected Owners and Shoppers

    Quick Facts About Cars Damaged in Floods

    • If your car insurance includes comprehensive coverage, you’ll likely be covered. If not, FEMA may cover the loss.
    • Never drive a flooded electric car. Leave it where it is and call your insurer.
    • In most states, selling flood-damaged cars is illegal without proper disclosure.
    • Be wary of buying a car with flood damage. Some vehicles are sold across state lines before being registered as damaged goods.

    Catastrophic rain events, hurricanes, and tropical storms, along with the resulting flooding, can damage and destroy vehicles, sometimes beyond repair. Do not attempt to start your if it has been flooded; you could cause more damage. Electric vehicles (EVs) also need special care. Use this resource to guide you through the process and help you start recovering and finding a new or used vehicle.

    Remember, replacing your vehicle takes time and patience. Looking for a comparable vehicle could prove difficult in today’s market conditions. Car shoppers, even those searching beyond the affected regions, must be careful to avoid purchasing flood-damaged vehicles from unscrupulous parties. These vehicles could pose safety risks and costly hidden problems, such as electrical issues and rust, that could show up later.

    Whatever your circumstances, you’ll find essential resources and information on identifying damage, understanding insurance types, assessing whether repairs are possible, and navigating the car-buying process. 

    Affected Vehicle Owners: Here’s What to Do

    Read on for frequently asked questions about flood vehicles.

    Does Car Insurance Cover Flood Damage?

    Yes, it typically will if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. Take photos and call your car insurance company to determine your next steps.

    Will FEMA Pay for My Flooded Car?

    Potentially. According to FEMA, “Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs.” If FEMA doesn’t cover the damage, your other options include getting help from the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program or applying for a low-interest loan from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).

    What Happens if I Don’t Have Car Insurance?

    If you didn’t purchase comprehensive car insurance, consider the FEMA, ONA, and SBA options. If nothing comes of it, or you live outside the declared disaster area, you’ll likely need to hire a qualified mechanic to assess the cost of repairing the damage on your own.
    Once you know how the flooding affected your car, you can move forward with getting your vehicle repaired or replaced.
    If nothing else, it can’t hurt to open the doors and windows (if you can), give the interior a thorough going-over with a wet vacuum, and perhaps even pull up the carpet to help dry out the car and prevent mold growth.

    Can a Flooded Car Be Fixed?

    It depends. According to State Farm, “Submersion of a vehicle in salt water, which is more damaging than fresh water, increases the chances of corrosion. Start drying out your vehicle as quickly as possible, and contact a towing service to get it back to higher ground. Oil, transmission fluid, and lube may need draining before a tow.”
    Other insurers like Progressive say that “minor flooding that’s quickly drained can often be repaired.” However, many insurance companies consider a car a total loss if the water level reaches the dashboard and damages electronic components. Also, if a vehicle sits in water for extended periods, the insurance company may consider it totaled. In Florida, electric cars began catching fire after a hurricane in 2022 caused them to be sit in floodwaters.

    Is It Illegal to Sell a Flood-Damaged Car?

    It depends. In most states, selling cars damaged in floods is illegal without proper disclosure. However, some vehicles are sold across state lines before being registered as damaged goods.

    How to Tell if a Car Has Been Flooded

    To find out if a car received flood damage, check the vehicle history report from AutoCheck or Carfax. They offer free flood-risk checks using the vehicle identification number (VIN). You can also visually inspect a vehicle and look for tell-tale signs like foggy headlights or rust. If you can’t tell or are unsure, consider getting a professional vehicle inspection. Knowing the vehicle’s actual condition and history helps ease your mind.

    What Happens If a Leased Car Is Flooded?

    If you leased a car, comprehensive insurance would likely cover your vehicle. You can go through the same process of calling your insurer and filling any gaps with FEMA and other federal programs, if available to you. Check your lease agreement to find out the exact specifications.

    Should I Keep Making My Monthly Car Payment?

    Yes, with an asterisk. Talk with your vehicle finance company. Many manufacturer-related financing arms, like Ford Credit, GM Financial, Toyota Financial Services, and Kia Motors Finance, could offer affected owners payment relief or flexible terms during hardship events.

    What Should I Know About Hybrid and Electric Cars Damaged by a Flood?

    According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website, “batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles are highly corrosive and should not be exposed to standing water.” NHTSA also says batteries could short-circuit and catch fire, even weeks after battery damage occurs. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, Florida officials reported that electric cars spontaneously caught fire.
    If you suspect saltwater battery damage to your car, unplug the vehicle and talk to your insurance company to determine the next steps.

    I Don’t Live Anywhere Near Flooded Areas; Do I Need to Be Concerned?

    Yes. Unscrupulous parties can obtain a flood-damaged car cheaply, “clean” the title by registering it in a different state, and then sell it in another state for full value by passing it off as an unaffected vehicle.

    Dealerships in affected regions may take time to reopen. You may need to expand your dealership search area. In addition, the challenging car marketplace means you’ll likely pay more for your vehicle. New car prices are at staggering highs. The challenging supply of used cars has pushed up those prices, too. For shoppers who must finance a purchase, higher interest rates can make vehicles less affordable. However, the new car loan interest rate deduction may help some buyers, provided the vehicle they want is assembled in the United States and is less affected by tariffs. Use the negotiation tips in our car buying guide before you set out.

    Use these other guides to help you with your search:

    Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication. Renee Valdes contributed to the report.

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  • For Best Results, Skip the F Sport

    For Best Results, Skip the F Sport

    The 2026 Lexus RX is a pillar in the mid-size luxury SUV segment, and for good reason. It’s comfortable, quiet, and easy to drive. In fact, it’s almost too easy to drive—so much so that you can practically fall asleep at the wheel. The RX is available in three flavors: gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. My tester came in 500h F Sport guise, meaning it’s the range-topping hybrid before crossing into plug-in territory.

    The F Sport Performance model adds quite a bit of oomph to the RX’s look and feel. Its two-motor hybrid system and 2.4-liter turbo-four engine produce a total of 366 horsepower, compared to the non-F Sport’s 295. In terms of styling, it’s more aggressive, bolder, and inside, very red. It’s also a bit of a rolling contradiction.

    Jerry Perez

    While this model is a go-to for folks looking for a luxe SUV, buyers must beware that while some RX models may look sporty, and in this case of the F Sport Performance, it boasts a healthy hp figure, this isn’t an SUV that caters to enthusiasts. This extra power is primarily designed to help with passing on the highway or to feel some sense of sportiness when driving around town. Folks looking for better handling, steering feedback, or sporty dynamics should consider its crosstown rival, the Acura MDX Type S, or go European.

    Cons

    • Slightly contradicting exterior looks. The elegant and understated design clashes a bit too much with the F Sport elements, such as the body molding, larger black wheels, and orange calipers. It comes off a bit try-hard.
    • It’s a similar situation inside the cabin. The red interior is too much, and it doesn’t match the RX’s overall persona.
    • The F Sport seats are too heavily bolstered. This isn’t the canyon-carving SUV, its seats would lead you to believe. They are downright uncomfortable, especially if you are on the larger side.
    • Even with the adaptive suspension, the F Sport package’s tire-and-wheel combo does not offer much better sporty handling. Ride quality suffers a bit in normal driving conditions.
    • Confusing tech with touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons, and overall, a very confusing infotainment interface.
    Jerry Perez

    Pros

    • Serene ride. The cabin is well insulated, making for a peaceful and quiet ride down the highway.
    • Steering the RX requires minimal effort in any situation, making it ideal for folks looking to get from Point A to Point B without having to think about driving.
    • Sound experience. Paired with the quiet cabin, the optional $1,160 Mark Levinson premium sound system makes for a great place to pass the time on a road trip. The sound is strong and clear regardless of what kind of jams you get down to.
    • Swanky rear accommodations. Rear seats get both heated and ventilated seats, as well as their own climate zone and two USB-C charging ports.
    • Plenty of rear cargo space.
    • Strong resale value. You can’t go wrong with a Toyota.
    Jerry Perez

    Verdict

    If you’re looking for a luxurious but also practical and comfortable SUV, the 2026 Lexus RX should be a candidate on your list. For best results, skip the F Sport Performance trim and go for the 350h. That’ll save you some cash while getting the best RX experience.

    Lexus provided The Drive with a seven-day loan of this vehicle for the purpose of writing this review. 

    2026 Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance AWD Specs

    Base Price (As Tested) $67,650 ($78,970)
    Powertrain 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four paired to a hybrid motor | eCVT | all-wheel drive
    Horsepower 366
    Torque 406 lb-ft
    Seating Capacity 5
    Cargo Volume 29.5 cubic feet behind second row | 46.1 cubic feet behind first row
    Curb Weight 4,750 pounds
    EPA Fuel Economy 27 mpg city | 28 mpg highway | 27 mpg combined
    Score 5/10

    As deputy editor, Jerry draws on a decade of industry experience and a lifelong passion for motorsports to guide The Drive’s short- and long-term coverage.

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  • Exploring the Dunes in the 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X: How Well Does it Handle Sand?

    Exploring the Dunes in the 2025 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X: How Well Does it Handle Sand?

    Published:  December 1st, 2025

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  • Cummins Ram Hits 2,695 HP Before Blowing Up on Dyno

    Cummins Ram Hits 2,695 HP Before Blowing Up on Dyno

    The world’s baddest diesel trucks descend on Indianapolis every year for the Ultimate Callout Challenge. Even if you aren’t familiar with the event, there’s a fair chance you’ve seen videos from it—that is, if Cummins-powered pickups cross your feed now and again. Sadly for the tuners and shops involved, those videos sometimes show a truck erupting in a massive fireball on the dyno. Such was the case over the weekend for JBJ Diesel out of Idaho.

    Jake Rodriguez’s third-gen Ram was performing beautifully on the dyno when the nitrous controller failed. Power numbers at the time of explosion were high—2,695 horsepower with revs still to give—but unfortunately, the engine gave first. You can see the carnage from a few angles below:

    When I say the truck was on its way to a far higher number, just know that it’s broken the 3,000-hp mark before. This beautiful, red single-cab climbed all the way to 3,342 hp at last year’s Diesels in the Mountains contest. Whether or not it could have won the UCC dyno event by beating Poor Boys Diesel—which hit 3,825 hp—is tough to say.

    Rodriguez and his crew swapped in a spare engine for the remaining UCC rounds, which included a sled pull the next day. He gave a glimpse of that backup Cummins in a video about a month ago, and I have to say, that thing probably has more money in it than my house. (I guess that’s the benefit of living in a mobile home.)

    You can bet that JBJ Diesel isn’t done with the rig yet. It’ll surely be back on a dyno soon, and they have another year to prep for UCC 2027. Based on what I’ve seen from the shop, they’ll have a real contender ready to go—and it’ll be a looker, too.

    Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com

    From running point on new car launch coverage to editing long-form features and reviews, Caleb does some of everything at The Drive. And he really, really loves trucks.



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  • Trailer alarm to address caravan theft

    Trailer alarm to address caravan theft

    DO YOU ever look at an invention or piece of technology and wonder why someone hadn’t come up with it sooner?

     

    Ford’s newly released Trailer Connection Alarm for Ranger and Everest models is a case in point.

     

    The system is integrated directly in the updated 2026 Ford Ranger and Everest line-up’s Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm and is activated as soon as the driver selects the system to ‘Activate’ through the vehicles SYNC infotainment screen.

     

    Thereafter, the system continuously monitors electrical loads within the trailer’s lighting circuits, sensing any change in resistance the moment the trailer plug is disconnected and immediately triggering the vehicle’s alarm.

     

    Ford says the system is intelligent enough to detect what it calls a tampering event or other abnormal electrical activity, again triggering the alarm in either instance.

     

    Better still, the system also sends a push notification to the owner’s smartphone via the Ford app instantaneously.

     

    Ford says the Trailer Connection Alarm aims to create noise and attention the moment a trailer is interfered with, reducing the likelihood of opportunistic theft.

     

    In Victoria alone, caravan thefts are up almost 67 per cent since 2022, with car trailer thefts up 25 per cent over the same period.

     

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  • This Used Audi E-Tron Lost A Fortune. Its Battery Held Up Much Better

    This Used Audi E-Tron Lost A Fortune. Its Battery Held Up Much Better

    • This used Audi e-tron still has about 76 kWh of usable capacity left, so it’s lost around 10 kWh in 6 years.
    • Its battery looks healthy, and its owner has been charging it with longevity in mind.
    • It can still charge at its original maximum of 150 kW, reportedly going from 10% to 80% in 23 minutes.

    We just love digging into electric vehicle battery health tests because the results are rarely predictable, and there’s always a lesson to learn from each one about how EVs age. This six-year-old Audi e-tron 55 costs a fraction of its original price today, but its all-important battery appears to still have a lot of life left.

    The current owner bought the e-tron about a year and a half ago with around 28,000 miles (45,000 km), and the dealer he bought it from provided a battery health sheet showing 92% of its original capacity. We don’t know its prior charging history, but the owner says he mostly charges it at home, usually to 80%, when it displays a range of around 186 miles (300 km).

    In this German-language video uploaded by ELEKTROBAYS, they perform a battery health check using the Aviloo Flash test. This is a quick test and not as in-depth as the Aviloo Premium test, which is sent to the customer’s home and is a more involved procedure (you need to charge it to 100% then drive it with the Aviloo box plugged in until it reaches 10%), which should produce a more accurate result.

    The test in the video shows that the e-tron still has 76 kilowatt-hours of usable capacity, or around 90.8% of its new-car capacity, with an official net rating of 86 kWh. This means it’s lost only roughly 1.2% over the last 18 months, which is a pretty good result.

    It also seems to confirm that EV batteries see the heaviest degradation early on, but then it tapers off as they age. The owner’s charging habits and rare use of DC fast charging likely helped stave off accelerated capacity loss, and at this rate of degradation, it should remain usable for many years to come, even though it’s already fairly old.

    The owner also notes that when he recently fast-charged the e-tron, it reached its peak DC fast-charging power rating of 150 kW, and he says he completed a 10-80% charge in around 22-23 minutes.

    This is a lot of still-very-usable EV that the owner got for €36,000 ($41,500),f but you can find these in Europe for under €30,000 ($34,500). That’s around a third of what it originally cost, and you can find them even cheaper, though picking the cheapest one isn’t advisable, as it might not have a healthy battery. Buying a used EV is a great way to save money.

    But it’s just as much of a gamble as buying any second-hand vehicle, but you need to pay special attention to the battery pack’s health, because the cost of a replacement can run into the tens of thousands—it’s way more expensive than replacing the engine in most gas cars.

    The Audi e-tron is one of the original premium electric SUVs, and if you find one with a healthy battery, it’s well worth buying today, especially if it costs a quarter to a third of its original price. This particular e-tron from the video shows that the scary number when buying a used EV isn’t its age or mileage: It is the unknown condition of the battery. Always get that checked properly, and an older premium EV starts looking a lot less like a gamble and a lot more like the bargain its used price suggests.

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  • What Is Defensive Driving? – Kelley Blue Book

    What Is Defensive Driving? – Kelley Blue Book

    Defensive driving is driving with the intention of avoiding potential hazards, such as pedestrians, bad weather, and obstacles on the road. While driving is never risk-free, driving defensively can minimize the danger and keep you safe. Defensive drivers stay alert and identify potential hazards before they happen. Rather than simply reacting to hazards, anticipating them prepares you to act safely and calmly.

    Benefits of Defensive Driving

    • Decrease your chance of a collision or incident
    • Qualify for safe driving discounts on insurance
    • Save on vehicle maintenance costs
    • Increase overall safety for yourself and others on the road
    • Reduce stress levels and gain peace of mind

    The Dos of Defensive Driving

    1. Do approach intersections with caution. When you get to an intersection, look in all directions and yield to oncoming traffic. Check for oncoming cars and pedestrians, even when you have the right of way.
    2. Do stay vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to physical roadblocks and what other drivers are doing. Often, problems arise from what others do rather than your own actions.
    3. Do drive at the speed of traffic. It’s always safest to drive at the speed of traffic and follow the speed limit. Avoid speeding or crawling below the speed limit.
    4. Do slow down in rain, sleet, snow, etc. When the weather is bad, the best thing to do is slow down and focus on the other items on this list. 
    5. Do pass others with care. Check your rearview and side mirrors often. Look in your blind spots before you merge or turn. Pay attention and pass other cars with caution. Watch for motorcycles.
    6. Do use your turn signal. Ensure you’re driving safely by using your turn signal to alert others of your next move.

    The Don’ts of Defensive Driving

    1. Don’t forget your blind spots. Take no chances, even if you think there are no vehicles or pedestrians nearby. Check your blind spots when turning or merging.
    2. Don’t drink and drive. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking substances that could impair your ability or judgment before driving.
    3. Don’t drive too closely. Keep a safe distance from others. Avoid tailgating and use adaptive cruise control to maintain a minimum 3-second gap between your car and the car ahead.
    4. Don’t drive aggressively. Remain patient with other vehicles and keep your cool on the road. Avoid speeding up to close a gap. 
    5. Don’t assume. Even with all of your vehicle’s safety features, you still need to keep your eyes on the road and remain cautious.

    Visit Kelley Blue Book’s Safety Hub page to learn more about vehicle safety features.

    Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication. Renee Valdes contributed to the report.

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