DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘vehicles’

Sunset at Silver Lake in a 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

Thank you Drive Shop and Hyundai for giving me an opportunity to test drive this 2017 Elantra Limited.


You may recall last month hubby and I attended the Wilmington High School Class of 1974 White Party and you may also remember seeing these pictures either on my Facebook page or from this previous post.

hubby and I at all white party

However, what you did not see, was the “Chariot” in which we rode in to attend this gala.  It was late in the evening so I didn’t take any pictures but as you can see, it was a beautiful 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited.  Sunday evening we decided to drive down to Silver Lake in Middletown to watch the sun set.

Sunset at Silver Lake

I have always loved the smooth ride of a Hyundai and the color Phantom Black reminded me of my own 2005 Hyundai Sonata which I still miss to this day. 

Vehicle Review

However, back then these new vehicles didn’t have a lot of bells and whistles which now come as standard features.  There were many features that I simply loved and very few which I didn’t like but below is a list of my top five favorites.

Toni’s Top 5 Favs

  1. Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
  2. Duel Automatic Temperature Control
  3. Proximity Key with Push Button Start and Hands-free Smart Trunk
  4. Power Driver’s Seat with Lumbar Support
  5. Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert

However, there were two features that I think needed to be included :

  • Power outlets/USB Charger should be standard the rear seat console
  • Passenger Seat should be power controlled

Otherwise, with the 32 MPG fuel economy it is definitely great vehicle for my daily commute as well as for tooling around town.  The standard and added features on this model was listed at a total MSRP of $27,710.00.

Delaware Blogger and an Elantra

Both hubby and I enjoyed driving the all new Hyundai 2017 Elantra Limited around town and into the city of Wilmington. 

Also, as an “old married couple” who recently celebrated their 26th Wedding Anniversary, we also liked just sitting inside, listening to Jazz with the sunroof open watching the sun set over Silver Lake. #boomers

Hyundai Elantra and the Delaware Blogger

Take a look at this video, then leave a comment as to which which feature you liked best.


2017 Kia Sportage Review

Thank you Drive Shop USA and Kia for giving me an opportunity to review the 2017 Sportage SX FWD.

2017 Kia Sportage

A few weeks before the sweltering summer heat hit the Delaware Valley, hubby and I spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon walking through Battery Park in Old New Castle.  If you remember this post, I stated that I wanted to return to the park with my husband as it had such a nice walking trail. 

Also, if you follow me on Instagram you would have seen the pictures we took at the 1/4 mile marker.  Hubby is still working on getting his energy level back up after those 6 months of chemo for small intestinal cancer. 

The day started out being very beautiful however, we got some well needed rain towards the end of our walk, so we left earlier than we wanted.  Both of our sons are working this summer so it was nice spending some quality time alone as an “old married couple”.

2017 Kia Sportage Review

We both loved the 2017 Kia Sportage as it was a smooth ride with comfortable leather front seats and best of all, it was equipped with a Dual-Zone Auto Climate controls.  I don’t know how it is in your house, but in ours, my husband and I often disagree on the temperature so we are in constant duel over the controls.  Although the seats were leather, it wasn’t an uncomfortable sitting situation if you know what I mean!

The 2017 Kia Sportage comes with many standard features including Dual Front Airbags, Front Seat Mounted Airbags, and side Curtain Airbags which are great safety features.  All of the other features on this model were standard and a few of them are listed below.  The MSRP of this vehicle is $33,395.00 and the fuel economy is listed as 23 MPG, 21 city, 26 highway which makes it a negative for me.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

4.2” Color Infotainment Center LCD with Navigation

Sirius/XM Satellite Radio w/free 3-mo subscription

Leather Seat Trim

Push button start with Smart Key

Rear Camera Display

Blind Spot Detection

Lane Departure Warning

Front/Rear Parking Assist System

10 year/100,000 mile limited Powertrain warranty

5 year/60,000 mile roadside assistance

 

The fuel economy may be a negative on this vehicle, but here are my Top Five Favs:

  1. Smart Hands-Free Power Liftgate and large storage capacity

  2. Adjustable lumbar seat support controls

  3. Power Folding Heated Side View Mirrors with LED Turn Signals

  4. Lighted Door Handle

  5. Panoramic Sunroof

2017 Kia Sportage Review 2017 Kia Sportage Review 2017 Kia Sportage Review 2017 Kia Sportage Review 2017 Kia Sportage SX

 

The 2017 Kia Sportage did have a jerky acceleration on the back roads however, was smooth as silk on the highway at higher speeds.  Also, as you can see the rear seat comfort is one of concern especially for adults as there isn’t much leg room in the back. 

2017 Kia Sportage

Overall, I would say that this is a great vehicle for someone who unlike me doesn’t have a 100 mile daily commute as the fuel economy is low, however, the seat controls with lumbar support made the commute a lot less uncomfortable.

The color of this 2017 Kia Sportage is Burnished Copper and it was so gorgeous, it actually complimented my maxi dress – what do you think?

2017 Kia Sportage

The Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure warnings are also great features for long distance travel and the rear trunk is a definitely a great size for loading it with shopping bags, luggage or dorm room supplies when taking a kid back to college which is what we will be doing in a few weeks – where did the summer go??

2017 Kia Sportage Review  

Check out the following YouTube video to get a better view of the inside and outside of the 2017 Kia Sportage then leave a comment below as to which feature you liked best.


Pennzoil @ Walmart.com

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DotComDIY #CollectiveBias

Guess who’s home from college?  Yes, Malik finished his second year at Bowie State University and he is back home.  I really missed him and am happy to have him back, but I am also bit apprehensive because it’s also time for him to get another car! 

Last year his car was totaled as he was leaving work, we didn’t replace it at the time because he was heading back to school.  However, since then, he and his father have both been searching for a replacement vehicle and the time has come to do so.

Knowing that this next vehicle will be used with high mileage, his father will make sure that it’s in good working condition and well maintained which also includes a clean engine. 

So while they are out and about searching for just the right car, I will be sitting home searching purchasing just the right motor oil to keep that engine clean.

shop online at Walmart.com

In today’s busy world, there is little time to make a trip to the store. Why fight the crowds?

Save time and money by fulfilling your DIY oil needs on Walmart.com. Their amazing selection of items, including exclusive specialty automotive items, can be found just a click away.

On Walmart.com you can find many Pennzoil Platinum products currently on rollback (for a limited time), including Pennzoil Full Synthetic and Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage. Based on your car’s needs and the number of miles, one of these two oils is right for you.

  • Platinum Synthetic: With Pennzoil’s PurePlus™ Technology, the Platinum® motor oil is proven to keep pistons up to 40% cleaner than the toughest industry standard. (Use if < than 75,000 miles)
  • High Mileage: Perfect for the vehicle with over 75,000 miles as it helps to reduce leaks and oil consumption in a well-used car.

Save yourself a trip to the store and get your oil on rollback at Walmart.com today!


Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday

If you read my post yesterday you know that we were once again hit with a major snowstorm on Tuesday.  It took me over 5 1/2 hours to get home from work and I definitely didn’t want to be in the car anytime soon so I stayed home on Wednesday.  At 10:00 a.m. Governor Markell lifted the Level One State of Emergency but it was highly recommended to stay off the roads so that the snowplow operators could do their jobs with minimal interruption from cars.

So on this day, I am thankful for my family, friends and faith…for getting home safely…for having a warm home to live in…and for scrounging around to find these ingredients to make this easy peasy Crock Pot Meal!

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

  • 1 can of Kidney Beans
  • 1 can of Black Beans
  • 1 Package of Smoked Turkey Sausage
  • 1 Package Frozen Peppers and Onions
  • 1 Pack of McCormick Fajita Seasoning
  • 1/2 Cup of Water
  • Rice and Cornbread

Snow Day Slow Cook Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spray Crock Pot with Cooking Spray for easier cleanup.  Cut Turkey Sausage into bite size pieces and add seasoning to a 1/2 cup of water.

Snow Day Slow Cook Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Put sausage into Crock Pot and pour in Fajita Seasoning mix.

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add frozen veggies and both cans of beans, which can be drained and rinsed to remove some of the sodium.

Snow Day Slow Cook Day

 Stir, cover and cooked on high for 4 hours.

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Snow Day Slow Cooker dish was served with Jasmine Rice and skillet Cornbread.

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a perfect meal for my men after a few hours of shoveling and an all-day of television watching!  I measured the snow on the back deck so I’ll say that we unofficially got 11″ of snow….can’t wait for Spring to arrive!

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pool is not looking too inviting these days!

snow covered backyard pool

Snowy Street in Summit Farms (our neighborhood)

Snow Day 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are truly blessed, and I am thankful to have a warm home during this cold winter season.  I pray for those with less to be safe and removed from harm’s way.

Snow Day Slow Cook Day 024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Okay, it’s your turn – what are you thankful for this week?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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“You sho is UGLY”

Hello Friends and Happy Monday

If you are a Delawarean, you probably read the news that our license plates has been voted the ugliest in the nation!  After shaking my head in astonishment I immediately thought about this scene from The Color Purple

Embedly Powered

The survey conducted by CarInsurance.com stated that our basic blue and gold plate with no art and “The First State” motto was ugly.  I wouldn’t call it ugly…boring yes…ugly…no, but we ranked 51st behind all the states and the District of Columbia.  Wyoming’s license plate was voted the favorite.

Take a look and tell me what you think- Ugly Yes or No?

Where did your state’s license plate rank?

Circa_1990s-2000s_Delaware_License_Plate

Stay Blessed – No Stress in the New Year!

 

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Tracking Teenage Drivers

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday

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As the mother of a teenage driver I am always on pins and needles every time he grabs his keys and leaves the house.  There is just so much they can learn in a classroom setting and even with the mandatory driving hours that are required with a Graduated License, once they are on the road alone it can become a life or death situation.

BLM Girls Weekend 070

Some teenagers are extremely careful and patient drivers, others not so much and unfortunately I have the latter.  I’ve explained to him that driving is a privilege and he should remain ever vigilant when he’s behind the wheel.  There are just too many RIP Markers on the sides of the road and a few of you know that I lost my sister in a car accident on September 14th 1992.

I have argued, nagged and yelled at him to drive slowly and also threatened him with the loss of his car, keys and driving privileges if ever stopped for speeding.

                                                          . yelling mom

It goes in one ear and out the other and so I think the time has come for more drastic measures.  Hubby brought home information from the website Teen Tracking, a plug and play GPS monitoring system and I am seriously considering buying one.

gps-rt

According to the website The Big Brother GPS Locator/Tracker “allows parents to keep a close eye on their new teen drivers. Notifications on speed and boundary violations. Easy 2-wire installation. Installs under dash for covert operation. PoweredbyGPS® technology.”  The cost is hefty but the piece of mind is priceless and definitely cheaper than the increase to our monthly car insurance rates!

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Has anyone purchased this Teen Tracking monitor or is there another GPS Tracker that you would suggest?

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Fun and Games Friday

Hello Friends, are you having a fun day!

Do you remember as a child spending hours outside running and playing games all day long?  Laughing, yelling, sweating and imagining, making up the rules as you went along, just plain fun.  What were some of your favorite games, I remember some of mine were:

Double Dutch

double dutch

Tag

tag

Hop Scotch

hopscotch

Yo-Yo

yo yo

Twister

twister

Red Light Green Light 1 2 3

red ligh

Jacks

jacks

Chinese Jump Rope

chinese jump rope

But my all time – #1 favorite game was “That’s My Car”…which I’m still playing today!

Donna's car 1

This Mercedes belongs to a friend…but last week it was “my car!”

December 2012 to June 2013 556

A girl can dream can’t she?

December 2012 to June 2013 558

Now go outside and play – Smooches!

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Car Shopping Is No Longer A Fun Event!

Once upon a time not so long ago car shopping was a fun and exciting adventure, flipping through magazines, reading the classifieds, looking for the perfect car, with the perfect color for the perfectly affordable price.  That was “BK”, “before kids”, now as a parent of 2 sons we are once again in the market for a car, not for me nor hubby but for #1 son.

We were very fortunate the first time when we found a 2002 Hyundai Elantra at a very affordable price but with very high mileage and now, “Miranda” is on her last legs.  She is not going to make it much longer and it’s not worth putting any more money into having her serviced.  She was dutiful in her position and served us well, she valiantly got the  boys back and forth to High School with weekend jaunts to the mall and grocery store.  Now the time has come to find a replacement and it is not a fun event.  The sticker prices are a hard pill to swallow but we must keep in mind that good safety features and good insurance ratings are our number one priorities.

Hubby and I spend a few hours yesterday looking for vehicles that might fit the bill, first stopping at Carman Auto Group in New Castle.  We didn’t see many but there was a 2012 Ford Fiesta, with mileage that wasn’t too high but was a bit out of our price range.

Ford Fiesta

Carman 1

Our next stop was at Willis Chevrolet in Middletown.  Willis is where I have my Hyundai Sonata serviced and customer satisfaction is their #1 priority so it wasn’t a surprise to find that they had a few vehicles that caught our attention.

A 2011 Ford Fiesta SES, mileage was a bit high for it’s age and a sticker price worth negotiating, the other vehicle was a 2009 Chevy Cobalt Sport, mileage and price more palatable.

Willis 1

Ford Cobalt

Willis 2

Now comes the fun part…the research…checking State Farm Insurance, KBB, Carfax, Cars.com, AAA, Costco and any other website to compare prices, and safety features – this is no longer a fun event and I still have to get a hooptie for son #2 – do you know where I can get a 2fer!

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