I bought a car.

I’m not a huge car guy. I can’t do engine or suspension work. I don’t know how to change my oil. But when I actually BOUGHT my first non-parental car three years ago, a 2008 Toyota Corolla, I started doing some research. I learned right away that there is a lot of stupid stuff people do to ruin their cars. They add fake plastic parts; they Walmart-tint their windows, leaving all kinds of bubbles; and they add more lights and sounds than a church carnival.

At the same time, however, there are always a few aftermarket things you can do to improve your car. The guys at the factory in Michigan did a good job, but there are smart decisions an owner can make to result in a better experience.

Here are five things I plan to do to my 2012 Dodge Charger R/T Road & Track Edition HEMI V8 5.7 (and three things I won’t do).

1. Professional, legal, aftermarket tints

It’s $200 well-spent to hire a reputable pro to tint your car. This was one of the first things I did to my Corolla. In the spring, I’ll return to Rick Maas, at Eastern Glass Tinting Co. and have him do the standard tint job.

In Massachusetts, aftermarket tinting must allow more than 35 percent of light in on the front and rear side windows. There are a lot of benefits to getting it done. It protects your seats, keeps the car cool, and is an added security measure, keeping prying eyes at bay.

2. Mopar Front Strut Tower Brace

It’s not vital, so at $295 I won’t be diving into this right away. But Mopar’s Front Strut Tower Brace is one of the best suspension upgrades you can make for under $1,000. I’m not taking the car on the track or doing any racing, so I don’t need coilovers or lowering springs — which are popular with my former Corolla brethren.

A Tower Brace connects the left and right suspension at the top in the engine compartment. I did it with my Corolla, though I’m shocked I never wrote about it. I loved the results — less body-roll in corners, more responsive handling. I do want to check with a Dodge dealer before doing this, though. My R/T has some suspension options already, and a button called “Sport Mode” that I’m not sure what it does yet. (Appreciate any helpful comments below.)

The front bar is about $300. There’s a rear bar too, for $411, but it’s trickier to install and takes up trunk room from the photos I’ve seen. Westbury Jeep Chrysler Dodge, otherwise known as Moper Performance Online is the best website to start at, and it’s where I learned about these parts.

3. Billet Technology Signature Series Catch Can

Billet is a well-respected company in the automotive world. They machine quality parts, and that’s really all they have to do to maintain that level of respect.

Car forums are full of debate — try asking about the benefits of a Cold Air Intake — but one thing car guys tend to agree on: a catch can is a good idea.

What does it do? Here, I stole this right from the Billet website:

Question: What does the Billet Tech Catch Can do besides look good?

Answer: The Billet Tech Catch Can slows down and filters oil that may end up in the intake and combustion chambers. Oil in the combustion chamber could lower octane ratings that may cause your automobiles computer to sense knock/KR. This may cause a decrease in performance. The Billet Technology Catch Can helps decrease the symptoms of the scenarios described. So as you can see, the Billet Tech Catch Can not only looks good as stated, but performs flawlessly.

4. Install a drop-in K&N Air Filter

This one will be controversial with the guys and girls on the forums. I’m not going to replace my air intake — at least not yet. There is scattered proof that a cold air intake gives real tangible benefits. That is compounded by the fact that most of the benefits people see with an aftermarket intake are seen after the car is tuned properly afterward with another aftermarket product like the DiabloSport inTune. Trouble is, the codes are still locked up tight for the 2011 and 2012 Chargers.

Once the companies like DiabloSport catch up, I might consider playing with the air intake. Until then, I’m going to stick with a K&N drop-in filter. I used it in the Corolla to great results. It allows slightly better airflow than stock, and it only has to be cleaned every 50,000 miles or so. And it’s only $50.

5. One little stripe

I bought a black car with a black interior on purpose, but I think a tiny-yet-tasteful splash of color is in order. It also gives the car something unique to “me.”

I think a stripe on the rocker panels would be good. RiderGraphix has a nice kit for sale for $125 that I might purchase. I haven’t decided on a color yet, but I’m thinking yellow. Everyone else does red and blue, and I am not alone in thinking black and yellow go great together!

I won’t: 1. Change the exhaust

Absolutely unnecessary. My car has a cat-back system with dual tips. I am not interested in changing the sound that comes out. My car has a HEMI. That’s the sound you should hear when I pass you.

It’s $1-2,000 wasted plus installation. I’m good. I’d love to hear the argument for this.

I won’t: 2. Do a damn thing to the wheels, except maybe buy snow tires

Yes it’s a RWD car. (I actually thought it was AWD, but that’s another story.) The only thing I may have to do next year is buy some snow tires.

I am not doing a thing to change my wheels. I have 20″ chromes, and I’m happy. I’ve literally seen people paint OVER THE CHROME before. Jesus.

I won’t: 3. Add any unnecessary lighting

This is not “Fast and Furious 6″ here. I don’t need any glow underneath my car. I’m also not hot on those aftermarket halo lights that make the car look European. It’s Detroit muscle, and it comes with HID lights and fogs.

There are tons and tons and tons of lighting accessories available for the Charger. I may do an LED replacement kit inside the car (I rented an Avenger that had the LED kit once, and was very pleased) but not much else.

But that’s just me. What do you do/want to do/don’t want to do to your ride? Let’s get a conversation started below. I’ll even join in.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concluded its ten-month study of probable causes of unintended acceleration issues in Toyota vehicles. The study concluded that the only known causes capable of producing the high-speed incidents were of two mechanical defects previously identified by NHTSA – “sticking” accelerator pedals and a design flaw that caused accelerator pedals to become trapped by floor mats in which Toyota has recalled nearly 8 million vehicles in the United States also paid $48.8 million in civil penalties as the result of NHTSA investigations into the timeliness of several safety recalls last year.

During the report, NASA engineers evaluated the electronic circuitry in Toyota vehicles and analyzed more than 280,000 lines of software code for any potential flaws that could initiate an unintended acceleration incident. NASA engineers examined and tested mechanical components that could result in an unwanted throttle opening. Toyota vehicles were also bombarded by NASA and NHTSA with electromagnetic radiation to study whether such radiation could cause malfunctions resulting in unintended acceleration and if there were any additional mechanical causes for unintended acceleration and whether any of the test scenarios developed could actually occur in real-world conditions.

“NASA found no evidence that a malfunction in electronics caused large unintended accelerations,” said Michael Kirsch, Principal Engineer at the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC).

Steve St. Angelo, Toyota’s Chief Quality Officer for North America, said: “Toyota welcomes the findings of NASA and NHTSA regarding our Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) and we appreciate the thoroughness of their review. We believe this rigorous scientific analysis by some of America’s foremost engineers should further reinforce confidence in the safety of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. We hope this important study will help put to rest unsupported speculation about Toyota’s ETCS-i, which is well-designed and well-tested to ensure that a real world, un-commanded acceleration of the vehicle cannot occur. “

Even though no electronic causes were found in this study, NHTSA is considering taking several new actions as the result of today’s findings, including:

• Propose rules, by the end of 2011, to require brake override systems, to standardize operation of keyless ignition systems, and to require the installation of event data recorders in all passenger vehicles;
• Begin broad research on the reliability and security of electronic control systems;
• Research the placement and design of accelerator and brake pedals, as well as driver usage of pedals, to determine whether design and placement can be improved to reduce pedal misapplication.

“While today marks the end of our study with NASA, our work to protect millions of American drivers continues,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “The record number of voluntary recalls initiated by automakers last year is also very good news, and shows that we can work cooperatively with industry to protect consumers.”

Just when Toyota’s massive recall had become old news, Consumer Reports adds fuel to a simmering fire by declaring Toyota’s Lexus GX 460 a “don’t buy”. Consumer Reports stated that the driver while in an alarmed state “the rear of the GX we bought slid out until the vehicle was almost sideways before the electronic stability control system was able to regain control.”

Electronic stability control provides technology that improves the vehicles stability that detects and minimizes skids by automatically applying the brakes to help direct the vehicle in the path that the driver intended thus reducing accidents in which the driver had initially lost control.

Mark Templin, Lexus Group Vice President and General Manager, maintains that for the last 20 years Lexus has held the highest standards on consumer safety and satisfaction. Lexus is taking the situation with the GX 460 very seriously. To better determine and correct the issue Consumer Reports reported, Lexus is asking the dealers to temporarily suspend the sales of any GX 460 until corrected.

This coming after the late January recall of 8 million Toyota vehicles experiencing issues regarding the gas pedal and floor mats sticking. Toyota sales had already slumped from the previous year plunged even more due to the massive recall along with quality assurance that once was associated hand in hand with the brand. It is not determined how much more financially the manufacture can expect to lose.

Templin said “Lexus’ extensive vehicle testing provides a good indication of how our vehicles perform and we are confident that the GX meets our high safety standards. Our engineering teams are vigorously testing the GX using Consumer Reports’ specific parameters to identify how we can make the GX performance even better.”

With the ever growing trend to "Go Green," auto manufactures have stepped up to the plate this year introducing several new electric concepts, realities and an vast array of new Hybrids set to launch into the market within the next several years. As the price of oil continues to fluctuate with the facts leaning to over the next few years’ gasoline being sold at record prices, want and need to start using other resources has been on the consumer’s constant mind. Hybrid sales rose 42 percent alone in December compared to the previous year providing actual proof that Hybrids are just not for the crunchy. Ten years ago there was only one option, now the road is slowly filling up with Hybrids that range from compact to luxury as drivers look for ways to not only ease the burden on their wallets but on their carbon footprint too.

This year GM will release the Chevrolet Volt. Comparable in size to the now Colbalt, the electric battery can provide 40 miles of variable driving then resorting to a gasoline engine once it has exhausted its resources. The four door, five passenger car is what GM hopes to break into this every growing area. GM currently has several Hybrid vehicles but this will be its first electric car into production coming out late this spring. Cadillac Converj, a sporty luxury plug-in hybrid coupe is set to go into production around 2013. Even though GM will no longer produce the Hybrid Malibu, the Silverado, Sierra, Yukon, Tahoe and Escalade will still be available for the 2010 year.

Toyota will double their Hybrid production to 1 million by 2011. It took the company 10 years to sell its first 1 million Hybrids globally. Toyota will boost production of existing plus launch several new subcompacts, minivans and luxury cars including the FT-CH concept released last week at the North American Auto Show in Detroit. The FT-CH would become the company’s most affordable and highest mpg car so far. Currently Toyota with Lexus combined offers over 10 Hybrid choices ranging from the Camery to the Lexus LS600H.

Honda plans to launch the CR-Z late this summer. The two seater hatchback reminiscent of the CRX with ratings of 31-38 mph on average depending on the transmission selected will be the third car Honda offers in a Hybrid. The current Insight competes with the Prius and the ever popular Civic remain their strong sells. Word that Acura will soon have its own Hybrid lineup is in the works.

Ford continues to stay strong in the Hybrid market with the green car of the year, Fusion. The Mercury twin Milan also continues to receive strong accolades as well as rating high in customer satisfaction. The Ford Escape/Mercury Mainer along with Mazda Tribute, also continue to stay in the edgy small SUV market by providing the only Hybrids in their class. Ford continues to unveil newer, more fuel efficient cars with the release of the new long awaited, Ford Focus set for 2011 launch.

As Volkswagen has demonstrated its abilities to provide consumers with favorable clean burning diesels, they have also finally created the New Compact Coupe (NCC) with a hybrid powertrain to the TSI gasoline engine with a lithium battery and turbocharged direct inject engine. Volkswagen promises 45 mph combined city and highway with an 8.1 0-60 response too. With their ability to reintroduce the diesel back into our lives, this Hybrid should have no problem finding its niche in the always loyal Volkswagen owners heart as well as the new ones it will pick up along the way with the good looks and respectable reputation the brand is known for.

Luxury hasn’t always been associated with Hybrid but BMW has taken notice and launched the Active Hybrid X6 this December. A two mode Hybrid full electric operation up to 37mph for 1.6 miles increasing fuel economy 15-20 percent. The Active Hybrid 7 is considered a mild Hybrid that uses electric motors to boost the operation of a gasoline engine and recaptures energy in a lithium-ion battery. The 7 is set to go on sale sometime this year.

The Audi e-tron electric sports car offers just what it the title states, a two seater sports car. With 204 hp, 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 124mph, this isn’t the golf cart commuter so many others have set out to be. Lithium-ion batteries offer realistic operating range of 155 miles possible. With a standard volt charge, it takes 11 hours to fully charge the batteries or two with a heavy current. Batter is constantly being charged not only when stationary but while in motion thanks to the electronic-mechanical brake system that enables further exploitation of the potential of electric motors for energy recovery.

Nissan’s LEAF set to go into to production this year is the first truly electric vehicle to be sold to consumers. It burns zero gas, has zero emissions and can travel up to 100 miles per charge with a top speed of 90 MPH. The batteries are fully charged within 8 hours. The five seater, five door is set to be priced around $30k. AeroVironment charging stations will be sold additional at the time of sale that way the consumer can charge their LEAF while it’s parked in their garage or wherever the vehicle will be used. Nissan hopes to have 20k reservations once it begins excepting them this Spring. More than 70 percent of the people who have contacted Nissan regarding LEAF reside in the markets where the car will be launched first. The strongest responses have been from San Diego, Tucson, Portland and Los Angeles. Ninety percent who contacted drive less than 100 miles per day while 75 percent indicate they are a two car family and this would make the ideal commuter car.

While we continue to purchase the standard more fuel efficient vehicles over the trendier Hybrids it doesn’t seem like it will be that far off to come to expect one day that all vehicles on the road will either be in a Hybrid or electric state as we move forward to the future and those possible bubble cars we once thought we would drive by now.

December closed out the year well for most

This week U.S auto manufactures reported their December sales and Annual numbers which just may spark a little notice with the fact people are in fact buying despite the tough economy.

Audi

Audi reports December U.S. sales of 9,030 luxury performance cars and SUVs, a result that ensured Audi will show the biggest 2009 U.S. market share gain of any imported luxury car brand. December 2009 ranked as the sixth-best month and the third-best December for the Audi brand in the U.S. The December 2009 sales represent a 17.1% increase from year-earlier December sales of 7,712 vehicles. "Audi clearly showed that it is the luxury brand on the move in 2009," said Johan de Nysschen, President, Audi of America. December proved to be the best sales month ever for the Q5 and A5, best month of year for A3, A4, A6 and Q7 with the Clean diesel TDI models make up 53% of A3 sales, 43% of Q7 sales. Audi sold a total of 82,716 units for the entire 2009 year, 5.7% lower than the previous year.

BMW

Sales for BMW increased 11.5% in December for a total of 20,128 vehicles compared to 18,060 vehicles reported in the same month a year ago. For the year, BMW brand sales were down 21.1 percent to 196,502 vehicles compared to 249,113 vehicles sold in 2008. The top sellers were the X5 up 22.3 percent compared to December 2008. The BMW X6 was up 30.1 percent. The 5 Series gained 5.8 percent vs. December 2008 just prior to the introduction of an all-new 5 Series in the second quarter of 2010. The all-new BMW 7 Series and Z4 Roadster also had significant increases compared to last December, partially due to model cycle updates and limited inventory a year ago. “The numbers show a good month for us, but more importantly is the fact we saw traffic, shopping and sales evenly distributed throughout December,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC.

Chrysler

Chrysler Group today reported December sales increased 36 percent compared with November 2009 and 20 of 24 vehicles posted sales increases for the same time period. Inventory is down 55 percent compared with December 2008, with 178,538 units in inventory, representing a 58-day supply. Chrysler’s annual sales fell to 931,402 vehicles down from the 1.5 million sold the 2008 year. “As we kick off the new year, Chrysler Group continues to build momentum with some of the best products in the marketplace, and we are enthusiastic about the new products coming this year,” said Fred Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer-Ram Brand and Lead Executive for the Sales Organization, Chrysler Group LLC. “Our great Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram products are being recognized by opinion leaders in the industry, and consumers are responding in a positive way. In 2010 the company will continue to earn the trust of consumers with exciting, high-quality vehicles that are priced right.”

Ford

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury December sales up 33 percent versus a year ago; highest sales month since May 2008. 2009 marked the first time since 1995 that Ford announced full-year market share gain. Ford’s F-Series trucks has been the best selling truck for the past 33 years with a 16% increase this December. Ford also credits the ever so popular Fusion which had an increase of 83% for the month of December alone marking a new full-year sales record of units sold with the Escape having its second best ever sales year with an increase of 75% in December. December marks the 14th time in the last 15 months that Ford increased retail market share. Full-year sales totaled 1.62 million units still down 15% from the previous year. "People increasingly are discovering that the Ford difference is the strength of our products, particularly our leadership in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart technologies and value," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service.

General Motors

GM dealers in the U.S. reported 160,996 retail deliveries in December — a 7 percent increase compared to last year, and a 50 percent increase over last month. Retail sales of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac brands were 146,419 — up 13 percent for the month. "The fact that our retail market share has increased two full points from the third to fourth quarters demonstrates that we are strengthening our brands," said Susan Docherty, vice president, Sales, Service and Marketing. December also marked the lowest dealer inventory at 385,000 units nationwide on record. Chevrolet retail sales were up 14 percent — driven by strong sales of Camaro, Traverse, Malibu and Equinox. Buick retail sales were up 32 percent compared with a year ago on the continued strength of LaCrosse and Enclave. GMC retail sales were up 4 percent vs. December 2008 on strong Acadia sales. Cadillac retail sales were up 7 percent, led by the 2010 SRX, with sales 357 percent higher than a year ago. GM estimated that total vehicle sales would fall to 10.6 million in 2009, the lowest since 1982 and down from 13.2 million in 2008 and 16.1 in 2007.

Honda

American Honda Motor Co. Inc. said Tuesday its U.S. sales jumped 24 percent in the last month of the year, but fell 19.5 percent for all of 2009. Sales in the Honda division rose 18.9 percent in December compared with 2008. But the company’s Acura division reported an 8.1 decline. Accord and CR-V increased to hit a new December record. Sales increased to 107,143 vehicles from 86,085 in December of 2008. For all of 2009, sales fell to 1,150,784 from 1,428,765.

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor America today announced December sales of 33,797, up more than 40 percent versus December 2008. For the full year, Hyundai reported 435,064 sales, up eight percent over the prior year total. Car of the Year Genesis set the tone for the month, recording an all-time, any-time, sales record in December. “We are looking forward to 2010 and have reason to be optimistic,” added Zuchowski. “Led by our strongest product lineup ever, highlighted by the all-new Tucson and all-new Sonata — and more great products in the pipeline — the ranking by the EPA as the most fuel-efficient car company in America, and the enhanced Hyundai Assurance program, it’s clear that we’re already off to a great start in 2010.” Hyundai recently announced an extension of their popular Hyundai Assurance program that permits Hyundai customers to return their new vehicle if they become unemployed. The program also adds in five years of roadside assistance and a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.

Kia

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced December sales of 21,048 units, a 43.7-percent increase over the same month last year, and total 2009 sales of 300,063 units, a 9.8-percent increase over the same period last year. Kia small cars, including Rio, Forte, Forte Koup and Soul led the way in monthly sales volume. “In the midst of our largest commitment to the U.S. market ever, we have once again prevailed against difficult economic times and a down automotive industry by increasing our market share for the 15th consecutive year,” said B.M. Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia. “Our new and appealing design evolution paired with our core principles of quality, safety, value and technology will continue to boost our brand into the next decade.”

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported December sales of 20,025 vehicles, its highest monthly volume of the year, bringing the company’s total 2009 volume to 190,604 and narrowing the gap versus last year to 15.3 percent. An increase of 8.2 percent compared to December 2008. Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of MBUSA said: “The strong finish to a year marked by challenges on every front, underscores the customer confidence in the Mercedes-Benz brand and the unstinting efforts we have undertaken in partnership with our retail network to provide an unparalleled ownership experience.”

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors North America said Tuesday its 2009 annual sales fell 44.5 percent, while sales for December dropped 4.7 percent even with the 49 percent increase over the month of November. Sales fell to 53,986 vehicles from 97,257 in 2008. In December, sales slid to 4,355 vehicles from 4,570 in December 2008. The Galant proved to be the top seller with 1,600 sold in December. “The improvement in December sales validates our renewed strategies and tactics,” said Shinichi Kurihara, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America. “The input provided by our dealers’ National Advisory Board has been instrumental in guiding our revised sales plans and actions, and will continue to do so as we collaborate to extend this sales momentum.”

Nissan

Nissan Division posted sales of 64,296 units in December compared with 53,829 units sold in December 2008, a 19.4 percent increase. Nissan Versa set a record month as well as huge double digit increases in the sales of Maxima, Z, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder and Armada. For calendar year 2009, combined Nissan and Infiniti sales totaled 770,103 vehicles, compared with 951,350 vehicles sold in 2008, a 19.1 percent decline. "The industry is coming out of a very tough year; it’s good to see 2009 behind us,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing, NNA. “Despite the huge challenges and uncertainties of last year, combined Nissan and Infiniti market share set a record in 2009. And looking ahead, we’re encouraged by some signs of economic improvement. Showroom traffic is building and consumer confidence is rising."

Subaru

Subaru of America, Inc announced a record breaking sales year as the company sold 216,652 units in 2009, an increase of 15-percent. This breaks the previous sales record of 200,703 units sold in 2006. This also marks a record sales month for December 2009 as the company sold 23,074 units – an increase of 33-percent – versus 17,287 units sold in December 2008. December represented yet another record month for the Japanese manufacture. “We really owe this tremendous success to both our retailers and employees, who executed the business plans we set in place,” said Thomas J. Doll, EVP and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. “Along with our vision and their belief in the Subaru brand, they helped make that vision a reality,” Doll continued.

Suzuki

American Suzuki reported Tuesday that the automaker’s 2009 sales dropped 54 percent as December sales fell 48 percent. December sales dropped to 1,885, compared to 3,650 in 2008. For all of 2009, sales fell to 38,689 from 84,862 in 2008. The SX4 was the company’s top-selling model with 1,116 sold in December. Sales fell to 1,885 in December from 3,650 a year earlier. For all of 2009, sales fell to 38,689 from 84,862 in 2008.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen of America, Inc. reported December 2009 sales of 20,387 total units, representing a 16 percent increase over December 2008. December marks Volkswagen’s sixth consecutive sales month above last year. The Jetta, Volkswagen of America’s top selling nameplate, posted strong December results with 10,233 units, a 26.9 percent increase over December 2008. Volkswagen’s clean diesel TDI models continue to perform especially well and accounted for over 20 percent of the brands total December sales. Volkswagen sold 213,454 total units for 2009, a decrease of 4.3 percent of the 223,128 units sold in 2008. “December’s performance was encouraging, as was the six consecutive months of sales growth that we have experienced. During those six months, Volkswagen sales increased 8.2 percent over the same period of last year,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “2009 proved to be another extremely challenging year for the Automotive Industry. We are encouraged by the fact that we were able to continue to grow our market share throughout 2009 despite the extremely challenging market conditions,” added Barnes.

Volvo

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) December sales were up 13.8 percent in the United States, marking the seventh straight month of a year-over-year increase. In the United States, VCNA sold a total of 5,638 vehicles in December. Another major contributor to Volvo’s recent sales success Safe + Sound coverage plan which provides best-in-class coverage, provides the lowest cost of luxury ownership (according to IntelliChoice). Overall in North America (United States and Canada), Volvo has sold 67,975 units in 2009, which represents a 14.6 percent decrease for the same period of 2008.

Toyota

Toyota Avalon receives "Excellent" scores by Consumer Reports.

The Toyota Avalon earned an overall road test score of 87. Avalon remains of one of CR’s top rated sedans thanks to its quiet, spacious cabin; comfortable ride; strong performance; and good fuel economy. Tranquil motoring helps the Toyota Avalon pass for a luxury car that costs twice as much money. The Toyota Avalon XLS as tested (with a suggested retail price of $34,974) is powered by a 265-hp 3.5 liter 6-cylinder engine that provides smooth and strong performance while maintaining a 24mpg in CR’s own fuel economy tests.

Toyota America reported an 11.5 percent increase last month in sales up from last November with a total of 133,700 units being sold.

Hyundai

Hyundai received notification from the 2009 annual Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAF‰), that it is the most fuel efficient auto manufacturer in the U.S. Overall fuel economy averages over 30mpg with Hyundai providing 30.1mpg knocking the traditional leaders of Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen out of the top spot.

Mazda

Mazda eager to join in on the American success of small cars announced that in their 2011 line up they would debut the Mazda 2 that is already doing well in other markets. The Mazda 2 is a genuinely attractive option to the every growing small car segment. Exact details have not been released yet as to the U.S. version will vary from the Japan and Europe options since Mazda is forgoing the 1.3 and 1.5 liter engines.

General Motors

General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson resigned December 1 effective immediately. The resignation was described as equal between Henderson and the GM board as both decided changes needed to be made. Which comes down to the once GM go to man getting the boot right when GM reported a 2.2 percent decrease in sales the previous month. Chairman Ed Whitacre, will fill the CEO role until a new CEO/President can be found which is anticipated to take months, not weeks.

Chevrolet continues on with the launch next year with the Volt. Chevy plans to release the first 100 copies to the state of California along with rolling out 500 electric-car charging stations throughout the state. OnStar technologies will provide GM performance monitoring to ensure proper mass release here in the states. The Volt will be launched nationwide once GM can partner with other utility companies.

Volkswagen

The "New Beetle" will make an appearance in 2011. The current model has been on sale since 1998 with variations in models offered. The new version is expected to keep its cute retro appeal but with an edge to appeal to a broader base. It is not known if it will continue to carry the Beetle name. Further details on the upcoming models are due out over the next couple months.

Ford

The Ford Fusion Hybrid finishes out the remainder of 2009 with several honors. Car and Driver named it a "10 Best", Motor Trend "Car of the Year" and the EPA announced it’s the most fuel efficient midsize car with 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg highway ratings. All conclude why the Fusion is the number one selling domestic car.

Mustang will be pumping up the ponies for 2011 in both the base and GT models. The base muscle car will now come with a 305 horsepower engine. A 45 percent increase over the long used 4.0 liter V6 that only spits out 210-hp. The new 3.7 liter will come equipped with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions that along with the fuel sipping 2:73 gears will allow this muscle car to earn 19 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The GT version will bring back the 5.0 status with over 400 horsepower helping to scoot this heavy beast down the road and in better chance of outperforming its competitors. As it stands if the new V6 was released now, there would only be a 10-hp difference between the new 3.7 and the current 4.6 liter used in the GT so this will provide a noticeable difference between the two when they are both released next year.

Audi

Audi’s Q7 TDI was awarded the most "Environmentally Progressive Truck of the year" by Earth, Wind and Power. The TDI clean diesel delivers 30 percent better fuel economy and reduces carbon emissions by 20 percent over gasoline. TDI allows you to travel range up to 600 miles with 12 percent more power in each drop of diesel. Audi introduced the Q7 TDI this summer with a public awareness campaign about the positive effects clean diesel can have on America’s dependency on foreign oil. A U.S. EPA study found that if one-third of Americans fueled their vehicles with clean diesel instead of gasoline, the United States could send back 1.5 million barrels of foreign oil per day.

Kelley Blue Book awarded the A5 as 2010 "Best resale value" in both Top 10 and Best Luxury class. These awards recognize projected retained value by 2015 demonstrating the Audi value of their engineering years after the initial sale.

Audi showed record sales for the month of November with 8.5 percent of the imported luxury vehicle sales in the U.S.

An example of accelerator pedal interference caused by out-of-position all-weather floor mat. (Media credit/Courtesy of NHTSA)

“This is an urgent matter” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “For everyone’s sake, we strongly urge owners of these vehicles to remove mats or other obstacles that could lead to unintended acceleration.”

According to NHTSA, the problem is with the clearance of the actual foot pedal.

Toyota and Lexus vehicles affected by this consumer alert are:

• 2007-2010 Camry
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• 2004-2009 Prius
• 2005-2010 Tacoma
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2007-2010 ES 350
• 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350

According to NHTSA, in September 2007, Toyota recalled another all-weather floor mat sold for use in some 2007 and 2008 model year Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Camry vehicles because of similar problems.

For more information, call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s hotline at 888-327-4236 or the Toyota Experience Center at 800-331-4331 or the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 800-255-3987.

Tinting your car is a pain in the ass. One mistake, and it’s ruined.

And nothing looks worse than a bubbled up blue tinted Walmart job. Of course, the bright side is that even if you completely muck up your tints, you can always peel them off and try again.

“Everybody has to try it once,” said Rick Maas, the owner of Eastern Glass Tinting Co. “That’s how I got started. My father was in the business, and I used to take the scraps and practice.”

Practice makes perfect. This is one of the few times we’ll tell you to just suck it up and call a professional. If you’re going to add tints, you want to do it right.

So we went to Rick.

Stuff for Your Car #3: The Tint Job

About two hours — $220 — Call a pro

Tinting adds a lot to the look of your car, and it keeps some of the rays out as an added bonus. It’s also good for some privacy here in Boston, since many of us have to park on the street.

There are other arguments that tinting helps glass stay together in an accident, so it doesn’t spray all over you or passengers and that tinted windows will prevent fading or cracking on leather seats.

Keep in mind that states have laws about tinting, especially concerning passenger cars. In Massachusetts, aftermarket tinting must allow more than 35 percent of light in on the front and rear side windows. The rear window can be tinted right down to the 35 percent level. You can’t add any reflective tint to your windshield, but most windshields already have the six inches of non-reflective tinting allowed.

And that’s just another reason why going to a pro is recommended. We’ve actually seen cops force people to peel their illegal tints off their windows. So even if you get out all the dust and bubbles, you might still be screwed.

Maas takes his time, using one spray bottle to get dirt and dust off and another to help the tinting film attach to the window. He didn’t say what was in the bottles.

He started by cleaning the outside of the windows and applying a square piece of film to the outside of the windows, carefully tracing a cutout. Then he put the cutouts on a large sheet of thick glass in the shop and flattened it out, making sure it was perfect.

Then he thoroughly cleaned the inside of each window and applied the film slowly, going over it several times to make sure all the bubbles were out.

If you try tinting on your own, make sure you don’t skimp on the cleaning, and don’t use cheap paper towels that leave lint. If there’s anything but glass on the surface, the tint film will stick to it, and you might as well take a picture and post it on the FAIL blog.

Maas did the same thing for the rear window, applying the film to a clean outside of the window first for measurement before applying it on the inside.

He warned against rolling down the windows all the way for about 48 hours, and he was done. The job took just under two hours. Maas charges $220 for a complete car.

After two weeks, there are no bubbles.

Eastern Glass Tinting Co. has locations in Charlestown and Marshfield and can be reached at 617-912-1040.

I’m sick and tired of nobody in Boston covering automotive anymore. Seriously. No more car reviews in the Boston Globe!

We could go on the interwebs for our data, and if you’re reading this you are going on the web because we DON’T PRINT Blast.

I took things into my own hands, took one for the team and did the only logical thing I could think of: I bought a car.

I did it for you, really. I traded in my dad’s old 2000 Ford Ranger for a 2008 Toyota Corolla (yeah, I’m ballin’ now, homes). It’s my first car. All previous vehicles were parental hand-me-downs. So this is something special. And since I’m single, I’m going to spoil my new car with gifts and toys and upgrades.

But I’m not going to chrome her out or put on decals and racing stripes. I’m not going on Ebay for a $2,000 “supercharger.” I’m not going to outfit it with 18″ rims that spin when the car is stopped. I’m a fucking journalist. I don’t have money for that shit, anyway.

So, over the next few weeks I’ll be doing some reasonable and practical things, taking pictures, consulting with experts and providing some step-by-step info on how you can do the same.

Some of the things to look for: Air filters, headlights, tinting do’s and don’ts, efficient use of trunk space, the oil, and more.

Let’s start simple.

The Corolla is the top selling car in America, and these tips are good for the 9th Generation Corolla. Consult your local Google for other cars before trying this at home.

Stuff for Your Car #1: Replace the cabin air filter

5 minutes — Less than $20 — Anyone can do it

I was shit-scared when I started these projects. I don’t tinker with cars. I’m Generation Y. We don’t change our own oil anymore or do our own tuneups. We go to Jiffy Lube and Firestone and pay good money to guys that drive better cars than us so that they can do all that stuff. My Firestone guy drives a BMW, by the way.

There’s also been a lot of talk about cabin air filters lately, and I figured that since I bought a slightly used car with just under 20,000 miles on it, that I might as well change it up. Rather than pay someone to do it, the really helpful people on Toyota Nation posted a ridiculously easy-looking do it yourself guide.

The photo gallery above will run you though it.

I paid $15.99 for an STP filter at AutoZone. You could also go to Home Depot and buy a home A/C filter and cut it to size. You don’t really need to get fancy. Some people even say to stick a dryer sheet or two under the filter. I don’t like the idea. The fewer chemicals in my air, the better. Most new filters are white. Some contain activating carbon that turns it gray.

Open the glove box. There’s one black screw and some tabs holding it on. Remove the screw with a phillips screwdriver, and it comes off easy.

Your cabin air filter is in the rectangle above the cylinder marked “Toyota.” Push the tabs, and the cover comes right off. Just go easy. You’re not going to zap yourself or break anything.

The old, dirty filter slides right out. Now, a lot of dealerships are smart, and they’ll replace the cabin filter when they “re-certify” the car so you have good smelling air and powerful air conditioning. Mine was, as you can see, not new. But it wasn’t in terrible condition.

Slide the new filter in, replace the cover, replace the glove box and screw, and you’re done!

Toyota recommends replacing the cabin filter every 20,000 miles. It’s really up to you. I have allergies to things like dust, so I’ll be aggressively replacing it.

Special thanks to Exage on Toyota Nation.