The main drive system of a car features either 1 to 4 traction motors (gasoline cars have one engine, while electric vehicles typically have 1, 2, or 3 motors).
A car typically has one main engine that propels the vehicle, but it can contain anywhere from 30 to over 100 electric motors that power everything from the windshield wipers to the windows and seats.
Electric vehicles (EVs), particularly Tesla models (such as the Model 3, Model Y, and Model S), are widely considered the hardest cars to steal. According to Highway Loss Data Institute statistics, Teslas are up to 50 to 100 times less likely to be stolen than the average car.
The $3000 rule in automotive ownership refers to two main financial benchmarks: when deciding to replace an aging vehicle and how to budget for a used car down payment.
Jay Leno famously cites his 1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 Kompressor as his absolute favorite car. He loves it for its unparalleled engineering, luxury, and stately character. Leno even modified his own to produce 525 horsepower to modernize its acceleration.
There isn't a single "crappiest" car, but automotive journalists and enthusiasts generally agree on a few infamous contenders. The ultimate winner depends on whether you value engineering failure, abysmal safety, or sheer lack of drivability:
The least stolen cars are ones with bright colours such as orange, green, yellow, and pink. This is because they're uncommon, easy to notice, and hard to sell. Car thieves tend to go for vehicles in common colours, such as white, grey, and black. This is because they have a higher demand, making them easy to sell.
Silver, light gray, and beige/champagne are the easiest car colors to keep clean. These mid-tone, reflective shades act as a natural camouflage, effectively hiding road dust, minor water spots, and light scratches between washes.
Several cars have earned the nickname "poor man's Porsche" over the decades. The title most famously belongs to entry-level and budget-friendly Porsche models, alongside several non-Porsche sports cars built to deliver a similar driving experience or aesthetic at a fraction of the price.
Car salespeople typically earn commission based on the profit a dealership makes on each vehicle sold. Most commissions range from 20 percent to 30 percent of the dealership's gross profit on a vehicle. Some salespeople are paid per unit sold, while others receive a mix of salary and commission.
Summary:
Car Theft Statistics: Key Findings
The U.S. state with the most auto thefts is California, with 463 motor vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants. This makes auto theft 85 percent more likely in California than the national average.
Nationwide, Hyundai and Kia models (especially the Elantra and Sonata) dominate theft lists due to viral security vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is statistically the single most frequently targeted vehicle, being nearly 40 times more likely to be stolen than the average car.
The number one most expensive and valuable new car in the world is the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, priced at an estimated $30 million. A masterpiece of bespoke coachbuilding, it is one of only four Droptails ever to be commissioned by private collectors globally.
Neither engine is objectively "better" overall; which is superior depends entirely on what you prioritize. A V6 is lighter and more fuel-efficient, making it ideal for daily commuting. A V8 produces more power and torque, making it the better choice for heavy towing, hauling, and high-performance driving.
Several major automakers are discontinuing popular sedans, sports cars, and EVs in 2026 to prioritize electric vehicle platforms and more profitable SUVs. Notable casualties include the Chevrolet Malibu, Subaru Legacy, Nissan Altima and Versa, Ford Escape, and the iconic Lexus LC 500.
Avoid black, grey, and silver. Black cars have up to a 47% higher risk of nighttime collisions, and all three colors blend dangerously into overcast skies, fog, and rain. Additionally, these colors are magnets for high-visibility dust, dirt, and water spots, requiring constant washing.
The Myth of the Red Car Magnet
The idea is that red, being a bold and attention-grabbing color, naturally draws more attention from police officers. However, statistics tell a different story. According to data, white vehicles actually receive the most traffic tickets, making up 19% of citations.
Studies suggest that white is one of the safest colors for a car. This is because white tends to be the most visible at night and in other weather conditions (except for snow), unlike darker car colors. Silver is a close second, but it does become harder to see in foggy conditions and at dusk.
The most iconic "Poor Man's Ferrari" is the Toyota MR2 (specifically the SW20 generation). Thanks to its mid-engine layout, aggressive 90s supercar styling, and thrilling handling, it delivers an exotic driving experience without the six-figure price tag.
The undisputed biggest car flop in history is the 1958 Ford Edsel. Ford invested $250 million (equivalent to about $4 billion today) into developing and marketing the brand, only to sell just over 116,000 units. It lost the company roughly $400 million, cementing "Edsel" as the ultimate corporate disaster.
When negotiating with a car dealer, never reveal your maximum monthly budget, that you need a car immediately, or that you are paying cash upfront until the final price is agreed upon. Disclosing this information gives the dealer leverage to inflate the vehicle's price or manipulate your loan terms.
You may receive lower pay if you don't make a sale. One of the most common cons for car salespeople is that their pay typically depends on making a sale. Increasing your sales skills can help ensure you make at least one sale each day. Your salary may depend on your sales.
Follow the advice below to make sure you avoid the most common first-time car-buying mistakes and have the best experience possible.