Electric Cars

Undertaking a lengthy road trip in a highly customized 2006 Jeep Wrangler proved to be a far more arduous endeavor than initially anticipated. The author, an experienced driver of various vehicle types, embarked on a nearly 400-mile journey from Bend, Oregon, to the San Francisco Bay Area, confident that her uncle's off-road-ready Jeep, despite its modifications, would handle the drive without issue. This confidence, however, quickly waned as the unique characteristics of the lifted, regeared vehicle with a soft top presented numerous challenges on the open highway, transforming what should have been a straightforward relocation into a taxing ordeal.

The modifications, while enhancing the Jeep's off-road prowess, significantly compromised its suitability for extended highway travel. The vehicle's 35-inch tires and 4.88 gearing, ideal for low-speed rock crawling, caused the engine to rev excessively at highway speeds, leading to instability and reduced fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the soft top offered little insulation against wind noise, requiring the driver to resort to noise-canceling headphones to mitigate the overwhelming roar. Compounding these issues was a persistent fear of overheating, a known vulnerability in this model, which kept the driver's attention fixed on the temperature gauge throughout the 12-hour drive, exacerbated by the mountainous terrain and high fuel costs.

Ultimately, the demanding nature of the trip served as a profound lesson for the author, highlighting the critical distinction between a vehicle optimized for off-road adventures and one suitable for long-distance highway cruising. The experience, though physically and mentally draining, provided valuable insights into the limitations of heavily modified vehicles on conventional roads and underscored the practicality of trailering off-road rigs for extended journeys, a practice the author previously questioned but now fully understands and endorses.

This journey, while challenging, ultimately highlights the importance of matching vehicle capabilities to the intended travel conditions and reinforces the understanding that every experience, even a difficult one, offers opportunities for growth and practical wisdom. It encourages a more thoughtful approach to vehicle use and customization, promoting awareness and adaptability in unforeseen circumstances.

BMW Defies Expectations with Record-Breaking Q3 Sales and Surprising Model Resurgence

BMW's Remarkable Sales Performance in a Shifting Automotive Climate

BMW North America has announced a notable 24% increase in sales for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This impressive growth brings the year-to-date total to 275,385 units sold in the US, marking an 8.5% rise over the previous year. This achievement is particularly striking given the global uncertainties surrounding tariffs and disruptions within supply chains, especially those impacting German manufacturers. The industry is also grappling with accelerated electrification mandates, with hybrid deadlines by 2030 and fully electric targets by 2035, adding pressure on executives worldwide. Despite these challenges, BMW's positive sales figures, coupled with the unexpected inclusion of previously discontinued models in new sales data, have garnered considerable attention.

The Unexpected Comeback of the i3: A Blast from the Electric Past

A closer look at the latest sales data reveals a surprising entry: the i3. This now-classic electric vehicle, first introduced in 2013, might seem like a relic compared to contemporary EVs. However, during its nine-year production run, over 250,000 units were manufactured, captivating a new segment of customers interested in electric mobility without opting for a larger BMW. The innovative technologies pioneered in the i3 laid the groundwork for BMW's subsequent electrification efforts. The appearance of a brand-new i3 in recent sales, three years after its production ceased, is an intriguing anomaly. This unexpected sale coincides with anticipation for the upcoming iX3, slated for launch next year, and the planned introduction of the compact i1 and i2 models in 2027, signaling a renewed focus on smaller electric vehicles.

The Return of the 6 Series GT: A Dream Realized for Enthusiasts

Adding to the intrigue, the sales report also features a 6 Series GT, a model that concluded its North American market production in 2020. The appearance of a new 6 Series GT in current sales figures suggests the possibility of an enthusiast finally acquiring a long-sought-after, previously unsold unit, fulfilling a dream that seemed impossible after the model's discontinuation. These unexpected sales, alongside the overall strong performance, paint a promising picture for BMW in the US market. Should this trend persist, the automotive world may witness further pleasant surprises from the Bavarian automaker.