2014 Infiniti Q50s Hybrid Battery 295b0-4ga9a, 295b0-4ga9b on 2040-parts.com

One-fourth of U.S. drivers have trouble paying for auto repairs, AAA says

Americans have difficulty paying for costly vehicle repairs and are driving older cars longer, according to a survey released by AAA. One quarter of American drivers said they would be unable to pay for repairs to their vehicle of more than $2,000, and one in eight said they would be unable to pay for repairs of more than $1,000, the survey said. More than half of drivers said they are still driving an older vehicle “because they do not want the financial burden of a new one,” the survey said.

Beating the motoring bullies

A NEW INITIATIVE has been launched to help women protect themselves from aggressive drivers and potential dangers if their car breaks down. The Women in Gear scheme includes an evening workshop course to teach basic maintenance and useful get-you-home tips. These are aimed at helping women sort out minor problems with their car rather than having to wait at the roadside for help.

2014 FIAT Panda Cross goes on sale in the autumn priced from £15,945

The appealing little Fiat Panda Cross goes on sale in the autumn There really isn’t a lot of choice in the car market if you want a rugged little 4×4, and the only real choice is from Fiat. So it’s a good job the new Fiat Panda Cross is such an appealing little car. Based on the Panda 4×4, the Panda Cross gets some chunky bumpers so you know it means business, big tyres so you know it can actually do of-road stuff and uncreased ground clearance and underbody protection so you don’t wreck your new Panda Cross the first time it finds a small rock.