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Ryan Binkley - Car Dealer
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD CRD
Still, this version of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee does come with an extra-big 22-gallon fuel tank which, along with near-20 mpg fuel economy, means a cruising range of about 400 miles. Toss in Jeep's off-road pedigree and a surprisingly comfortable highway ride and this Cherokee will hit the mark for a limited number of buyers.(Sunday 23 September 2007 : Ryan Binkley Dallas Auto Parts)
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Design/Fit and Finish
At first sight, the Challenger's beefy silhouette with the kicked-up rear haunches is nostalgic and familiar. So, too, are its four round headlights and slim, full-width taillights. Though it's obvious that the designers stayed true to the original form, it's not until you see the old and new Challengers side-by-side that the difference in scale is obvious. Sitting considerably taller and with a longer wheelbase, the 2009 Challenger looks like you chose "125 percent" while viewing it on your computer's photo program.
Ryan Binkley's New Cars
Honda Fit Sport With Navigation
Design/Fit and Finish
Honda's 2009 Fit looks a lot like last year's model, but we think the car has benefited from its modest styling updates, such as a more sculptural hood, refashioned headlights and more glass all around. Our Fit's cabin was economy-car plain for sure, but thoughtful touches like the previously mentioned climate control button layout are appreciated. We did, however, take issue with the dark fabric that was used to sheathe part of our test car's front doors. This design cue looked great when the car first arrived, but after just a couple of days, it proved to be a dust and dirt magnet. To Honda's credit, fit and finish on our test car was superb throughout.
Ryan Binkley : Nissan Altima Hybrid: Performance
Other than having to part with more cash, though, buyers don't sacrifice much performance in upgrading to the Hybrid's EPA estimated 34 combined mpg — that's a whopping 31 percent higher than the non-hybrid Altima 2.5S. But for hybrid drivers, it's real-world mileage that counts. Our engineers' observed fuel economy was 31.5 mpg — below either of the 2008 EPA estimates of 35 city/33 highway. But the range of achievable mpg is huge, depending on traffic conditions and driving habits. Frequent short trips combined with heavy traffic net us only 27.5 mpg; driving with cruise control on the open highway earned us 38.5 mpg. Car Dealer Ryan Binkley
Dodge Dakota
Performance
Of course, it should come as no surprise that best-in-class V8 power comes with pretty terrible gas mileage. EPA estimates are 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. Over the course of 1,270 miles in two identical Dakotas, we matched the EPA's combined number, even though a majority of those miles were on the highway. By comparison, the V6-powered Toyota Tacoma provides nearly the same acceleration capabilities with 3 more miles per gallon in the combined cycle — something to consider if only 6,500 pounds of towing capacity is enough.
Ryan Binkley Texas
Texas Ryan Binkley
Still, this version of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee does come with an extra-big 22-gallon fuel tank which, along with near-20 mpg fuel economy, means a cruising range of about 400 miles. Toss in Jeep's off-road pedigree and a surprisingly comfortable highway ride and this Cherokee will hit the mark for a limited number of buyers.(Sunday 23 September 2007 : Ryan Binkley Dallas Auto Parts)
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Design/Fit and Finish
At first sight, the Challenger's beefy silhouette with the kicked-up rear haunches is nostalgic and familiar. So, too, are its four round headlights and slim, full-width taillights. Though it's obvious that the designers stayed true to the original form, it's not until you see the old and new Challengers side-by-side that the difference in scale is obvious. Sitting considerably taller and with a longer wheelbase, the 2009 Challenger looks like you chose "125 percent" while viewing it on your computer's photo program.
Ryan Binkley Dallas
Ryan Binkley's New Cars
Honda Fit Sport With Navigation
Design/Fit and Finish
Honda's 2009 Fit looks a lot like last year's model, but we think the car has benefited from its modest styling updates, such as a more sculptural hood, refashioned headlights and more glass all around. Our Fit's cabin was economy-car plain for sure, but thoughtful touches like the previously mentioned climate control button layout are appreciated. We did, however, take issue with the dark fabric that was used to sheathe part of our test car's front doors. This design cue looked great when the car first arrived, but after just a couple of days, it proved to be a dust and dirt magnet. To Honda's credit, fit and finish on our test car was superb throughout.
Ryan Binkley : Nissan Altima Hybrid: Performance
Other than having to part with more cash, though, buyers don't sacrifice much performance in upgrading to the Hybrid's EPA estimated 34 combined mpg — that's a whopping 31 percent higher than the non-hybrid Altima 2.5S. But for hybrid drivers, it's real-world mileage that counts. Our engineers' observed fuel economy was 31.5 mpg — below either of the 2008 EPA estimates of 35 city/33 highway. But the range of achievable mpg is huge, depending on traffic conditions and driving habits. Frequent short trips combined with heavy traffic net us only 27.5 mpg; driving with cruise control on the open highway earned us 38.5 mpg. Car Dealer Ryan Binkley
Dodge Dakota
Performance
Of course, it should come as no surprise that best-in-class V8 power comes with pretty terrible gas mileage. EPA estimates are 14 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined. Over the course of 1,270 miles in two identical Dakotas, we matched the EPA's combined number, even though a majority of those miles were on the highway. By comparison, the V6-powered Toyota Tacoma provides nearly the same acceleration capabilities with 3 more miles per gallon in the combined cycle — something to consider if only 6,500 pounds of towing capacity is enough.
Ryan Binkley Texas
Texas Ryan Binkley
Ryan Binkley's Cars
Ford F-150 Ford Focus SES
Comfort
Ford says that it made a number of improvements to the 2008 Focus to help reduce wind noise. This is all well and good, but the Focus won't be getting many smiles from shush-happy librarians. Wind noise is, in fact, fairly muted, but road noise and vibration can be intrusive at highway speeds. The Focus' ride quality, at least, is pleasingly stable for a small car.(Friday 02 October 2009 : Ryan Binkley Texas)
Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SLT
Performance
Having aired our two main complaints, we should hasten to add that the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is really a pleasant truck to pilot. Although its transmission has only five speeds, a big V8 doesn't really need six gears anyway, and Dodge's five-cog unit works effectively and unobtrusively under most circumstances. Our test truck was a bit soft accelerating off the line, but the V8 was a model of refined muscularity once we found its midrange sweet spot, whisking the Ram past slow-moving traffic with remarkable ease.
Ryan Binkley Cars
Mini Cooper S Clubman Performance
The front-wheel-drive 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman is propelled by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 172 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Flooring the throttle activates a brief "overboost" function good for 192 lb-ft. Our test car was equipped with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. We recorded a 0-60-mph sprint of 7.2 seconds — expect manual-shift cars to shave a few tenths off that time. The regular Cooper S is quicker, but not by much.
Ryan Binkley Dallas : Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Comfort
In an effort to keep weight down (!), the Tahoe Hybrid's front seats are thinner than the standard Tahoe's. We found them to be not as comfortable as the regular Tahoe seats due to a rather flat bottom cushion, though this becomes apparent only on longer road trips. Some longer-legged staffers took issue with the lack of a telescoping feature for the steering wheel and felt that this or the power pedal adjustment should at least be optional in this otherwise loaded ute. A large padded console top and plenty of storage cubbies make the Tahoe Hybrid a user-friendly ride for commuting and road trips. Ryan Binkley Dallas
2008 Aston Martin Performance
As with much of the car, the DBS engine — a 6.0-liter V12 pumped up to 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque — is derived from the DB9. Burdened by less weight than the DB9, this V12 produces better acceleration (Aston estimates a 0-60-mph sprint of 4.3 seconds) and with a generous dose of throttle can give the impression of riding atop a Tomahawk cruise missile. Yet all this power is easily kept at bay around town. Throttle response is never jumpy despite there being so much low-end thrust available, while those luscious engine and exhaust noises remain civilized unless dutifully called upon.
Texas Car Dealer - Ryan Binkley
Ryan Binkley Car Dealer
Comfort
Ford says that it made a number of improvements to the 2008 Focus to help reduce wind noise. This is all well and good, but the Focus won't be getting many smiles from shush-happy librarians. Wind noise is, in fact, fairly muted, but road noise and vibration can be intrusive at highway speeds. The Focus' ride quality, at least, is pleasingly stable for a small car.(Friday 02 October 2009 : Ryan Binkley Texas)
Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 SLT
Performance
Having aired our two main complaints, we should hasten to add that the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 is really a pleasant truck to pilot. Although its transmission has only five speeds, a big V8 doesn't really need six gears anyway, and Dodge's five-cog unit works effectively and unobtrusively under most circumstances. Our test truck was a bit soft accelerating off the line, but the V8 was a model of refined muscularity once we found its midrange sweet spot, whisking the Ram past slow-moving traffic with remarkable ease.
Car Dealer Ryan Binkley
Ryan Binkley Cars
Mini Cooper S Clubman Performance
The front-wheel-drive 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman is propelled by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 172 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Flooring the throttle activates a brief "overboost" function good for 192 lb-ft. Our test car was equipped with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. We recorded a 0-60-mph sprint of 7.2 seconds — expect manual-shift cars to shave a few tenths off that time. The regular Cooper S is quicker, but not by much.
Ryan Binkley Dallas : Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Comfort
In an effort to keep weight down (!), the Tahoe Hybrid's front seats are thinner than the standard Tahoe's. We found them to be not as comfortable as the regular Tahoe seats due to a rather flat bottom cushion, though this becomes apparent only on longer road trips. Some longer-legged staffers took issue with the lack of a telescoping feature for the steering wheel and felt that this or the power pedal adjustment should at least be optional in this otherwise loaded ute. A large padded console top and plenty of storage cubbies make the Tahoe Hybrid a user-friendly ride for commuting and road trips. Ryan Binkley Dallas
2008 Aston Martin Performance
As with much of the car, the DBS engine — a 6.0-liter V12 pumped up to 510 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque — is derived from the DB9. Burdened by less weight than the DB9, this V12 produces better acceleration (Aston estimates a 0-60-mph sprint of 4.3 seconds) and with a generous dose of throttle can give the impression of riding atop a Tomahawk cruise missile. Yet all this power is easily kept at bay around town. Throttle response is never jumpy despite there being so much low-end thrust available, while those luscious engine and exhaust noises remain civilized unless dutifully called upon.
Texas Car Dealer - Ryan Binkley
Ryan Binkley Car Dealer
Dallas Car Dealer Ryan Binkley
2009 Acura TSX Comfort
In back, although the seat is well-shaped and comfy enough, taller folks may find legroom lacking — at 34.3 inches, it's around 3 inches less than an Accord, though it specs out nearly 4 inches more than a Lexus IS 250. Hip- and shoulder room are noticeably better than before, thanks to the 2009 model's 3-inch increase in width.(Info Ryan Binkley)
Saab 9-3 Turbo X Sport Combi: Performance
Surprisingly, stability control will rarely kick in during such hurried driving, doing a Ferrari-like job of aiding your progress rather than prematurely saving your bacon. In fact, track-testing Senior Road Test Editor Josh Jacquot reported that the Turbo X managed to go through our slalom faster (67.3 mph) with stability control activated — a true rarity. The brakes are also impressive, producing a 60-0 stopping distance of a scant 109 feet.
Web Ryan Binkley
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Unlike last year's version, the newest Challenger SRT8 offers a manual transmission. Fire it up, give the throttle a few jabs and the rectangular exhaust tips roar with the 425-horsepower Hemi V8's chest-reverberating timbre. As you grab the pistol-grip shifter to select 1st gear, you're instantly transported back to the age of eight-tracks and bell bottoms. And thankfully, Dodge's retro muscle car doesn't keep the "endearing" characteristics of the original that some so readily forget.
Profile Ryan Binkley : Pontiac Vibe GT
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT doesn't win the statuette for enthusiasts' favorite in its category. That honor still belongs to the Mazda Mazda3, which has long delivered world-class driving dynamics that are unmatched in this price segment. Still, the Vibe GT's performance is incredibly engaging relative to most others in its class, and it trumps the 3 when it comes to cargo room and passenger space. The hardworking Pontiac Vibe GT deserves a starring role, but whether it's an ideal pick for you will depend on which attributes you value most in a wagon. Blog Ryan Binkley
Toyota Prius Function
Our 2009 Toyota Prius was equipped with the optional navigation system, which works well and includes a handy back-up camera. Toyota's integration of most functions into a touchscreen interface can be rather annoying, however — a task as mundane as adjusting the climate control system's fan speed requires that you first call up the relevant screen by pressing the "climate" button, as opposed to simply rotating a knob. The button-happy steering wheel simplifies matters somewhat by providing redundant audio, Bluetooth, navigation and climate controls (excluding fan speed and directional flow).
Ryan Binkley Info
Ryan Binkley Bio
In back, although the seat is well-shaped and comfy enough, taller folks may find legroom lacking — at 34.3 inches, it's around 3 inches less than an Accord, though it specs out nearly 4 inches more than a Lexus IS 250. Hip- and shoulder room are noticeably better than before, thanks to the 2009 model's 3-inch increase in width.(Info Ryan Binkley)
Saab 9-3 Turbo X Sport Combi: Performance
Surprisingly, stability control will rarely kick in during such hurried driving, doing a Ferrari-like job of aiding your progress rather than prematurely saving your bacon. In fact, track-testing Senior Road Test Editor Josh Jacquot reported that the Turbo X managed to go through our slalom faster (67.3 mph) with stability control activated — a true rarity. The brakes are also impressive, producing a 60-0 stopping distance of a scant 109 feet.
Web Ryan Binkley
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Unlike last year's version, the newest Challenger SRT8 offers a manual transmission. Fire it up, give the throttle a few jabs and the rectangular exhaust tips roar with the 425-horsepower Hemi V8's chest-reverberating timbre. As you grab the pistol-grip shifter to select 1st gear, you're instantly transported back to the age of eight-tracks and bell bottoms. And thankfully, Dodge's retro muscle car doesn't keep the "endearing" characteristics of the original that some so readily forget.
Profile Ryan Binkley : Pontiac Vibe GT
The 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT doesn't win the statuette for enthusiasts' favorite in its category. That honor still belongs to the Mazda Mazda3, which has long delivered world-class driving dynamics that are unmatched in this price segment. Still, the Vibe GT's performance is incredibly engaging relative to most others in its class, and it trumps the 3 when it comes to cargo room and passenger space. The hardworking Pontiac Vibe GT deserves a starring role, but whether it's an ideal pick for you will depend on which attributes you value most in a wagon. Blog Ryan Binkley
Toyota Prius Function
Our 2009 Toyota Prius was equipped with the optional navigation system, which works well and includes a handy back-up camera. Toyota's integration of most functions into a touchscreen interface can be rather annoying, however — a task as mundane as adjusting the climate control system's fan speed requires that you first call up the relevant screen by pressing the "climate" button, as opposed to simply rotating a knob. The button-happy steering wheel simplifies matters somewhat by providing redundant audio, Bluetooth, navigation and climate controls (excluding fan speed and directional flow).
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Ryan Binkley Info
Ryan Binkley Bio
Generational Equity Dallas
Goods ~ Transaction type: An acquisition classification. Identifying the acquisition of tangible items as goods as opposed to services or information technology goods. Also known as commodities.
Transaction ~ Transaction type: An acquisition's classification. Examples include classifying an acquisition as goods, services, or information technology.
Installment Purchase ~ The purchase of hardware or equipment on an installment plan where a portion of the cost is paid at each of some scheduled period of time. Interest is usually included in the amount paid.
Tx Generational Equity:Vendor ~ An individual, sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, corporation, or any other business venture that responds to an IT Request for Quotations or Request for Proposals.
Consideration ~ The exchange of something of value between the parties to a contract. The consideration may include some right, interest, profit, or benefit obtained by one party, or some forbearance, detriment, loss, or responsibility assumed by the other party. It is one of the key elements required to have a binding contract.(Generational Equity Dallas - Saturday 24 December 2005)
Dallas Generational Equity : Public Works Contract ~ A contract for the erection, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any State structure, building, road, or for other State improvement of any kind.
Indemnification ~ Contractual provision in which one party will compensate the other party for settlements or judgments on claims arising from the contract.(Monday 17 September 2007 : Generational Equity Texas)
Texas Generational Equity Dallas Generational Equity Generational Equity Tx
Transaction ~ Transaction type: An acquisition's classification. Examples include classifying an acquisition as goods, services, or information technology.
Installment Purchase ~ The purchase of hardware or equipment on an installment plan where a portion of the cost is paid at each of some scheduled period of time. Interest is usually included in the amount paid.
Tx Generational Equity:Vendor ~ An individual, sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, corporation, or any other business venture that responds to an IT Request for Quotations or Request for Proposals.
Consideration ~ The exchange of something of value between the parties to a contract. The consideration may include some right, interest, profit, or benefit obtained by one party, or some forbearance, detriment, loss, or responsibility assumed by the other party. It is one of the key elements required to have a binding contract.(Generational Equity Dallas - Saturday 24 December 2005)
Dallas Generational Equity : Public Works Contract ~ A contract for the erection, construction, alteration, repair, or improvement of any State structure, building, road, or for other State improvement of any kind.
Generational Equity Tx
Indemnification ~ Contractual provision in which one party will compensate the other party for settlements or judgments on claims arising from the contract.(Monday 17 September 2007 : Generational Equity Texas)
Texas Generational Equity Dallas Generational Equity Generational Equity Tx
Texas Car Dealer Ryan Binkley
Saturn Astra XR Coupe
Although the 2009 Astra is relatively new to the U.S. market, the compact hatchback first launched in Europe in 1991 and the current generation has been around since 2004. The Astra has done well in Europe, and GM (which plans to share more models between the Opel and Saturn brands) is hoping the Astra will find the same success in the States. But the endeavor hasn't been without challenges. Executives at GM admit the Belgian-made hatchback has become more expensive to produce thanks to the declining U.S. dollar. At a base price of ,545 before the destination charge, the 2009 Saturn Astra XR coupe starts at nearly ,000 more than its closest rival, the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit coupe, which boasts a 2.5-liter inline-5 which makes 32 horsepower more than the Aura's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.
News Ryan Binkley: 2009 Kia Borrego V8 4WD: Function
The array of technology and gadgets inside the 2009 Kia Borrego is impressive, especially considering the spartan models of Kias past. The optional touchscreen navigation is logical and easy to use, although the voice recognition system sometimes had trouble understanding us. The 10-speaker Infinity audio system produces enjoyable sound, and the inclusion of a USB port (which also allows for manual updates of the nav system), auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and in-dash, six-CD changer gives driver and passengers many entertainment options and keeps the Borrego competitive in the segment.
Toyota Venza V6 2WD Design/Fit and Finish
The 2009 Toyota Venza's front-end styling is "inspired by the stances of athletes in competition," according to Toyota. If you ask us, the headlights and toothy grille are uncomfortably reminiscent of a melted Ford Edge. From most other angles, though, the Venza's styling is taut and upscale — kind of like a stretched Lexus RX. Interior styling is another high point, as we think the Venza's swoopy dashboard is also distinctly Lexus-like. Materials quality is notably higher than in either the Highlander or the Camry, and we were pleased to discover that the Prius' distinctively grained soft-touch dash and wheel covering has found its way into the Venza. Our tester was a preproduction vehicle, but fit and finish was nonetheless impressive, with consistent panel gaps and no audible squeaks or rattles. (Ryan Binkley Profile - Saturday 03 June 2006)
Ryan Binkley Web : BMW X6 xDrive 35i
Sadly, we also have to wonder about the raison d'être for the 2008 BMW X6. Of course, it's wonderful to drive — it's a BMW after all, so it's fast and handles like a sport sedan. But with its relatively meager cargo capacity, inability to transport more than four and a bulky body that weighs nearly a thousand pounds more than a Caddy DTS, what's the point?
Edgy it is not, but the 2009 Ford Edge will adequately serve families looking for a jack-of-most-trades American crossover SUV. (Sunday 08 April 2007 : Bio Ryan Binkley)
Ryan Binkley Ryan Binkley Texas Magazine Ryan Binkley
Although the 2009 Astra is relatively new to the U.S. market, the compact hatchback first launched in Europe in 1991 and the current generation has been around since 2004. The Astra has done well in Europe, and GM (which plans to share more models between the Opel and Saturn brands) is hoping the Astra will find the same success in the States. But the endeavor hasn't been without challenges. Executives at GM admit the Belgian-made hatchback has become more expensive to produce thanks to the declining U.S. dollar. At a base price of ,545 before the destination charge, the 2009 Saturn Astra XR coupe starts at nearly ,000 more than its closest rival, the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit coupe, which boasts a 2.5-liter inline-5 which makes 32 horsepower more than the Aura's 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.
News Ryan Binkley: 2009 Kia Borrego V8 4WD: Function
The array of technology and gadgets inside the 2009 Kia Borrego is impressive, especially considering the spartan models of Kias past. The optional touchscreen navigation is logical and easy to use, although the voice recognition system sometimes had trouble understanding us. The 10-speaker Infinity audio system produces enjoyable sound, and the inclusion of a USB port (which also allows for manual updates of the nav system), auxiliary audio jack, satellite radio and in-dash, six-CD changer gives driver and passengers many entertainment options and keeps the Borrego competitive in the segment.
Toyota Venza V6 2WD Design/Fit and Finish
The 2009 Toyota Venza's front-end styling is "inspired by the stances of athletes in competition," according to Toyota. If you ask us, the headlights and toothy grille are uncomfortably reminiscent of a melted Ford Edge. From most other angles, though, the Venza's styling is taut and upscale — kind of like a stretched Lexus RX. Interior styling is another high point, as we think the Venza's swoopy dashboard is also distinctly Lexus-like. Materials quality is notably higher than in either the Highlander or the Camry, and we were pleased to discover that the Prius' distinctively grained soft-touch dash and wheel covering has found its way into the Venza. Our tester was a preproduction vehicle, but fit and finish was nonetheless impressive, with consistent panel gaps and no audible squeaks or rattles. (Ryan Binkley Profile - Saturday 03 June 2006)
Ryan Binkley Web : BMW X6 xDrive 35i
Sadly, we also have to wonder about the raison d'être for the 2008 BMW X6. Of course, it's wonderful to drive — it's a BMW after all, so it's fast and handles like a sport sedan. But with its relatively meager cargo capacity, inability to transport more than four and a bulky body that weighs nearly a thousand pounds more than a Caddy DTS, what's the point?
Blog Ryan Binkley
Ford Edge Limited: Who Should Buy This VehicleEdgy it is not, but the 2009 Ford Edge will adequately serve families looking for a jack-of-most-trades American crossover SUV. (Sunday 08 April 2007 : Bio Ryan Binkley)
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Re: A banker by nature. - My mom is very emotional. We were both surprised she didn't cry, lol.
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