Wheels
JIM MATEJA: Engine requires a break-in period
Q. We just bought a 2008 Mazda3 S because we have a 2007 that gets about 300-350 miles per fill-up. The engines on both cars are identical 2.3-liter 4-cylinders. Imagine our surprise when our 2008 with only 2 miles on it when we bought it got just...
Local car shows and events
Smart Car Club meets tonight at 6FORT WALTON BEACH - The Emerald Coast Smart Car Club will meet at Liza Jackson Park today at 6 p.m. If you're interested call Vic Galante at (850) 206-4912. Cars and Coffee brews at UptownFORT WALTON BEACH - The Emerald...
Theory of Evo-lution
Call it what you will - track car, rally car, cop bait - the 10th generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is a test of willpower: Are you brave enough to drive this car to its fullest? Well, are ya, punk? All kidding aside, it helps to be of a certain...
Infiniti edges into Europe with its FX50
GENEVA, Switzerland - Nissan's Infiniti has unveiled its all-new FX50 sporty crossover SUV. The debut signaled a cautious first step into Europe for Nissan's luxury brand. The new FX50 went on sale as a 2008 model in the United States this summer. Infiniti...
JIM MATEJA: Small print confusing to car buyers
Q. I'm confused by the small print that accompanies zero-percent financing advertisements. What does "$16.67 per $1,000 fi-nanced" mean? Zero percent isn't really zero percent with a charge. - M.W.Palatine, Ill. A. We also spotted a zero-percent ad...
Local car shows, events
16th annual car show scheduled Sept. 6FORT WALTON BEACH - Three local car clubs will joint to present the Sixteenth Annual Emerald Coast Car Show on Sept. 6 at Fort Walton Beach High School. The Northwest Florida Model A&T Club, Panhandle Cruisers...
A hybrid from Chrysler
Better late than never? Though it took eight years to follow Toyota's lead, Chrysler finally has unveiled its first gas/electrics, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs. We tested the Aspen hybrid, which claims 19 mpg city/20 mpg highway with...
Toyota to make Solara convertible for 2 more years
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Toyota Motor Corp. has decided to extend production of its Solara convertible for up to two more years, the automaker's North American manufacturing chief has announced. Steve St. Angelo, senior vice president of Toyota North American...
Local car shows and events
Sandollar Club plans homecomingFORT WALTON BEACH - The Sandollar Motorcycle Club is having an old-fashioned homecoming on Aug. 9 at Liza Jackson Park starting at 11 a.m. All present and past members of the club are invited to drop by and enjoy food and...
JIM MATEJA: Salesmen respond to incentives
Q. I went looking for a new Toyota Highlander and found most dealers have only black, white or silver in stock. I told a sales-man I wanted a Limited in red, blue or green without a navigation system. I asked him to call me if he could locate one. Car...
'Wheels' Archives
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Last Update: August 28, 2008 - 3:20AM
