auto

The Siren Song Of Walmart Tire & Lube Is Impossible To Resist

The Siren Song Of Walmart Tire & Lube Is Impossible To Resist

We’re not saying you shouldn’t shop at Walmart. We’re not telling you who to give your money to. That’s not what we do here, (although some people think it is, but whatever.) What we are saying is that you should think about to whom you entrust your property. If you have a bad experience, learn from it and don’t give them the opportunity to mess with your stuff again. Reasonable?

Car Title Loans Banned In Iowa

Car Title Loans Banned In Iowa

Car-title loans have astronomical and unjustified interest rates, typically 264% and sometimes 360%. On top of that, the consumer puts his or her car at risk – the car-title loan company takes a lien on the car and actually takes keys to the car to make repossession easier.

Consumerist Confessions: Tell Us About Cars…

Consumerist Confessions: Tell Us About Cars…

The Consumerist is interested in hearing from car salespeople and customer service representatives in the automotive field. We’re looking for tips related to buying a new or used car. If you are or once were a car salesperson or worked in a car dealership and would like to confess, write to us at tips [at] consumerist [dot] com.

Car Dealer Refuses To Sell You A Vehicle Without A Thumbprint

Car Dealer Refuses To Sell You A Vehicle Without A Thumbprint

You are handed a slip of paper and told to mark your right thumbprint in a box. The paper says clearly that it’s a request, for your protection, and to prevent your identity theft.

Most Car Seats Fail “Disastrously” In Crash Tests

Most Car Seats Fail “Disastrously” In Crash Tests

Consumer Reports has tested several models of children’s car seats and most “failed disastrously” in side-impact tests at 38 mph, and front-impact tests of 35 mph. “The car seats twisted violently or flew off their bases, in one case hurling a test dummy 30 feet across the lab.” Um, whoops.

GM’s Nazi Past

GM’s Nazi Past

GM sold cars to Hitler, enjoyed it, then tried to cover it up, contends the investigative report, “Hitler’s Carmaker” by Edwin Black. Much of the piece describes the relations between James D. Mooney, head of GM’s overseas operations, and Adolph Hitler.

Find A Great Mechanic

Find A Great Mechanic

The popular NPR Car-Talk radio show hosts a database of great mechanics. Enter your zip, make specialty (if you want), and miles from your town, and the site displays a list of recommended auto shops. Therein, reviewers rate shops based on honesty, competency and price.

What’s A Good Dealership Rating Site?

What’s A Good Dealership Rating Site?

Reader Etinterrapax wants to know if there’s any trustworthy car dealer ranking sites.

Sgt. Clutch Vandalizes Customers Car After Complaints

Sgt. Clutch Vandalizes Customers Car After Complaints

UPDATE: Mechanics’ Hubris in Humble, Texas

UPDATE: Mechanics’ Hubris in Humble, Texas

The Consumerist makes dreams come true.

Mechanics’ Hubris in Humble, Texas

Mechanics’ Hubris in Humble, Texas

Margaret L. writes in an all too typical complaint of car mechanics taking the elderly for a ride.

Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There With a Helping Hand and a Hatchet

Harry writes in a tale of what he describes as extortion by State Farm Insurance.