Automobile Retailers

My stingray metallic Scion xB is looking pretty sweet with its rear spoiler and exhaust tip. The remote starter, sport steering wheel, and cargo cover has filled out the interior options quite nicely and I’m ready to move ahead to the next customizable option in picking my Scion.

Sound is the next option. Once again, installation is not included with some accessories. There is a small list of sound options, most of which are obviously geared towards today’s youthful driver. Hey, that’s me! A Pioneer AM/FM/CD deck is included in the base model of the 2009 Scion xB, but I can upgrade that to a Pioneer Premium Audio System ($389) if I’m so inclined.

The page also demonstrates Scion’s partnership with satellite radio, as options for XM Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio are available, both for $449. I can also add the Scion Navigation System for $1,950 although I’m not too sure what that has to do with sound. Nevertheless, I pick the XM Satellite Radio option to go with my ride and ignore the option to add 6-inch LCD Headrest monitors for $1,599. No thanks.

Next, it’s on to the wheels. The car includes 5-spoke, 6-spoke, and 7-spoke wheel covers free of charge. A 16 inch alloy wheel is available for $795 (each?) and a 19 inch TRD alloy wheel is available for $2,150. I pick the 16 inch allow wheel option (why not?) and move forward. I slap on the $65 wheel locks for good measure.

The next option is for performance. There are lowering springs, sport mufflers, performance air filters, and performance shocks available. I pick the sports muffler ($489) because I’m cool like that and fast-forward through to the next option with butterflies in my stomach. I’m about to “Get It,” the menu tells me. It’s time to enter the pricing of my 2009 Scion xB.

Ooh, scary. Stay tuned Monday for the thrilling conclusion of “Build My Scion.”

More Mercedes-Benz cars are sold in the state of California than any other place in North America. In fact, California sells more Mercedes-Benz vehicles than all of Canada. So it was a strange consideration that the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C230 4Matic was featured as a Canada-only model. Perhaps this is Mercedes’ way of opening up new markets in Canada. Perhaps this is simply wishful thinking based around poor market research.

Regardless of the motivation behind offering the Canada-only Benz C230 4Matic, most reports do claim that it is a reliable sedan.

The car is quite quick, boasting a 268 horsepower engine. A 24-valve, 2.5 litre inline-6 engine is under the hood enabling the car to reach speeds of 100km/h without flinching. That’s more than enough power for most Canadian drivers and enough to get a speed limit on Canada’s liberal highways. This engine is the smallest engine featured in any other Canadian model of a Mercedes-Benz, but it seemed more than satisfactory for most that tested it.

The price tag is around $39,500 for the basic model with no special features attached.

Most test drivers found the C230 a nice car to drive with superior handling. CanadianDriver.com noted that the C230 had a lot more “heft” than BMW and Audi and that it had a “silky ride.” Comparatively, the C230 may well be the best choice for Canadians looking for a slice of luxury while not giving up any of the speed or horsepower.

The style of the car is attractive, especially with a new grille and an AMG-inspired front end. A “sport package” can be added to the C230 for about $800 that offers a more traditional grille on the front, complete with an upright hood ornament and three-bar design.

The Canada-only Mercedes-Benz C230 4Matic is a sharp car available for those Benz lovers north of the border. Other Mercedes-Benz models are available for test drive as well, but for those interested in something a little sportier and decidedly more Canadian, the C230 may well be the perfect fit.

Unless you’ve never been to the movies or watched TV, you’ve seen the Pontiac Trans Am at least a few times during your lifetime. I’m going to start an intermittent series of posts discussing how the Trans Am has stolen scenes and helped make movies or TV shows even better merely by its presence.

The first movie I’m going to discuss is Short Circuit. If you’ve never seen this movie, I highly recommend it if you like cheesy humor and unbelievable situations. All I have to say is this: a robot that feels emotions, Steve Guttenberg, Ally Sheedy and the 1980s. Those four clues should give you a good idea about the quality of the movie.

But I loved it. In fact, I remember watching it about a dozen times between the ages of 11 and 13. If you watch closely, you’ll notice a reddish-colored 1976 Pontiac Trans Am in several of the scenes, particularly toward the beginning.

This is interesting because the 1976 model is one of the more recognized and revered vehicles ever made by Pontiac. In fact, it even has its own website.That’s probably because this was the year that became a turning point for the Trans Am. It also has wheels that are unique – the honeycomb pattern – because 1976 was the last year it was available on the Trans Am.

Whether you’re looking for a one of these popular Trans Am models (used, of course) or a new model, your local Pontiac dealer can point you in the right direction. Visit one today and see what’s available for you!