Products & Stuff

A few weeks ago I drove my first Mazda and was excited about the brand - it's come a long way since I first experienced the brand (when it seemed to mostly be rebadged Fords). What I like about the brand is that they have a distinct style and while this care is CLEARLY a suburban people hauler it was fun to drive. However, the car was not without it's quirks - including one of the strangest "keyless" ignition systems that I've yet to experience.

: Written by: James Hills; Published: 15 May 2015; Last Updated: 15 May 2015; Hits: 5227

Car Review

It's always daunting when you start the process of looking for a new car. No matter how much preparation you put in, it almost always feels like going to battle or at very best a poker game. Today though, the auto industry is going through a transformation just like mobile phone carriers have recently and I think that's pretty exciting since I HATE to be locked into something for 2-5 years like a traditional lease would.

I think this is pretty exciting for anyone with kids especially since it's an easy way to get a first car and then be able to swap it out for something different when they go off to college or get a better job and can afford to move up from that 2005 Toyota Camry to a 2010 BMW :) Average down payment is $895 and you have the ability to return it whenever you need to - there is no long-term commitment.

: Written by: James Hills; Published: 15 May 2015; Last Updated: 30 December 2020; Hits: 13613

American muscle power aint dead yet! While we live in an age where EVs and MPGs are what seems to be in demand, it's ironic that Dodge has chosen this moment in time to go full bore into an effort to deliver some of the most exceptionally powerful cars on the market. This trend is completely counter-intuitive with gas prices that while temporarily down, will almost certainly go back up. That's not what this car is about though. It is about RAW POWER - but also surprisingly practical too as we found on our road trip across the desert to Vegas from San Diego.

Let's get the stats out of the way first - this car is FAST! With a 6.4-Liter V8 SRT HEMI providing 485 horses delivering 475 LB-FT torque it has WAY more power than anyone ever needs, knocks you back in the seat, and it delivers that satisfying roar that makes you know you are part of an elite club of owners. Despite that power, the challenger Scat Pack is still able to get 14 city / 23 highway (the SXT with V6 gets 19/30), which honestly is pretty impressive for something this big and powerful.

With a top speed of 182-mph and a 0-60 mph time in the low 4 seconds, this car probably costs close to a $100k right? NO! It unbelievably is affordable starting at just under $40,000 ...

: Written by: James Hills; Published: 11 May 2015; Last Updated: 22 August 2022; Hits: 8178

Dodge

It's been a long time since I've used charcoal ... a few years ago I abandoned the delicious smoky flavor for the easy to use, quick to clean up and more precise gas grill (which BTW just happened to be a Char-Broil). However, I was thrilled to discover that the engineers at Char-Broil have been working hard to bring some innovative designs to the world of charcoal grills. Their new Kettleman frankly kicks butt and you could even say that #KettlemanKicksAsh. It is absolutely light years beyond what I had experienced in the past with a similar "kettle grill".

: Written by: James Hills; Published: 11 May 2015; Last Updated: 18 September 2020; Hits: 9086

There’s never been a better time to travel and with your smartphone in hand, the world is literally at your finger tips.

As well as the great transport links now on offer, technology is making globe-hopping easier than ever. If you've got insatiable wanderlust and love the jet-setting lifestyle, you can take advantage of an array of smartphone apps that take the hassle out of planning holidays. Here are five of our favorites.