1. 2011 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN

    11/29/2010 by

    I had the limited pleasure of oogling the all new 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman today, but they couldn’t let me drive it because there were too many MINI-freaks around. 

    This car is a perfect rendition of the MINI heritage, funky retro badging, clever switches and design elements that all MINI enthusiasts love about their car. It is bigger all-around and everything about it is clearly an evolution to the demand for more space.

    I am sorely disappointed in the ultra cool navigation stereo display NOT BEING TOUCH SCREEN, in this day and age, is clearly a #FAIL, perhaps the only one I noted on this quick visit, sans test drive. 

    I will report back to you in a few weeks on the actual performance attributes of the S and non-s versions, as this car comes to market against some formidable competition.  However, knowing MINI, they won’t care how many they sell, as marketshare is not as important as profitability… keeping these babies at MSRP or higher, when dealers can get it. (ugh)

    STAY TUNED FOR MORE about this new MINI, joining the CLUBMAN and Cooper S Mini family. Meet the competition: Nissan Juke, Kia SOUL, Nissan CUBE, Scion XB, and KIA Sportage for the price.

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    If you need any car buying, selling, trading or financing assistance on any new or used vehicle, please do not hesitate to email me at email: sarahlee@mycarlady.com or give me a call; 702-521-7546 I’m here to help you with any of your automotive needs and advice is ALWAYS free.
    Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 22+ years of experience.

    She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.  Her company: MY CARLADY is a personal car consultant service committed to helping you buy your next car and understand how to get the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at sarahlee@mycarlady.com



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  2. 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Mycarlady test drive review

    11/28/2010 by

    MyCarlady brings you another test drive review on the new 2011 Outlander from Mitsubishi.

    I drove the SE model with the 18″ alloy wheels, spoiler, fog-lamps and aluminum gas cap cover. The sharp lines and aggressive grill dominate the look of this small suv, now called a CUV, short for Crossover Utility Vehicle.

    The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport comes in an ES and Se version, and an AWC  (All-wheel Control=AWDrive) option too. All models share a 2.0L 4cyl 148hp 5 speed manual transmission or CVT version. 

    The high points to notice on this Outlander CUV are in the drive, which promises 25/31 MPG  in the 2wd version, thanks to the energy drag efficient design, brake energy regeneration system, electric power steering and low-rolling resistance tires. Some readers and reviewers have commented that they didn’t like the braking, but I didn’t notice any significant different in the stopping distance or power on this small suv/cuv vs. the other models I have test-driven recently: Sportage, CRV, Forester etc.

    Inside the cabin felt solid and roomy with good visibility in the rear, where others have had nasty blind-spots. This is in-part thanks to the little extra glass in the back and square rear-end.

    Handling was responsive without being sloppy, with sharp turning radius and easy cornering in tight spaces.  The road noise was tolerable, more noise from the tires than wind, and the usual CVT whine in 1st and 2nd, which went away once it kicked in over 40 mph.  I didn’t feel any body roll on the turns, though the lightweight metal was evident when the wind came across the freeway on the open spans doing 60+mph., giving me a gentle push.

    I found the missing Homelink annoying, but the push-button start is cool. Heated seats are available in the All-wheel, and yes, I use them here in LAS VEGAS in the winter!

    All in all the combination of the warranty, standard features, fuel economy, package options: panorama roof, Rockford-Fosgate Sound system, Navigation and AWC make this a winner for Mitsubishi.

    Prices start at $18495 -24995.00

    PROS: Warranty, Style, Handling, Fuel Economy

    CONS: No Leather interior, Homelink, Tire Noise

    NOTE: This vehicle hasn’t been rated by NHTSA  for 5-STAR safety yet…

    If you need any car buying, selling, trading or financing assistance on any new or used vehicle, please do not hesitate to email me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com or give me a call; 702-521-7546 I’m here to help you with any of your automotive needs and advice is ALWAYS free.
    Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 22+ years of experience.

    She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
    Her company: MY CARLADY is a personal car consultant service committed to helping you buy your next car and understand how to get the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at sarahlee@mycarlady.com



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    Category: CAR MAKES
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