Aaron Turpen
Latest from Aaron Turpen
Aaron Turpen: Here’s a 30 Facts About Cars That You Probably Don’t Know
Columnist Aaron Turpen writes, "Call these conversation starters or random 'know stuff' factoids, but there are some fascinating things to know about cars. If you’re a car nerd like I am, you definitely love spouting weird facts whenever it can be worked into everyday conversation."
Aaron Turpen6 min read
Aaron Turpen: The 2023 Toyota Tundra Can Go To The MAX
Automotive Writer Aaron Turpen writes: “Toyota used its expertise in hybrid electric systems to add more power to its pickup. Basically, Toyota took some Prius stuff and shoved it into the Tundra and then went all Tim Allen on it. Arr augh aurgh!”
Aaron Turpen8 min read
Aaron Turpen: To Infiniti (QX60) and Beyond
Automotive Writer Aaron Turpen writes: “Buyers in the mid-size luxury SUV segment should definitely look at the QX60. It’s a beauty of a vehicle with a nice balance of things for the price being paid.”
Aaron Turpen5 min read
Aaron Turpen: 2023 Kia Telluride Is An OK Snow Hamster
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes: “The 2023 Telluride has a 3.8-liter V6 that outputs about 1,309,500 hamsters (aka 291hp) to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is a solid combo that feels good in most driving situations. The all-wheel drive models are good goers, but aren’t as sure-footed as some rivals in the snow and ice."
Aaron Turpen5 min read
Car Review: 2023 Nissan LEAF is the Everyman Electric Car -- Even In Wyoming
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes: "Your knee jerk reaction to an electric car aside, the Nissan LEAF is the longest in production, most affordable, and most realistic electric car. And it has a use in Wyoming, despite what naysayers will claim."
Aaron Turpen5 min read
Aaron Turpen: Compact Pickups Are Like Mullets
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes: "Tiny, compact trucks are definitely making a comeback. And like mullets, they’re popping up everywhere and only gaining in popularity again."
Aaron Turpen4 min read
Car Review: 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is the One You Settle Into
Cowboy State Daily Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes: As young adults, we tend to chase after the blingy eye candy. The pushup bras and bare midriff shirts. The football muscles and coiffed hair. Then, as we get older, we realize that those things are fleeting and that there are more important attributes to aim for. Boring can actually be a good thing. The steady partner who may not have a midriff worth bearing or a full head of hair becomes a realistic option. Enter the Chevrolet Equinox...
Aaron Turpen4 min read
Aaron Turpen Car Review: The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor Makes Me Want To Play Viking Metal
Automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes, "The 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor checks all of the good times boxes. The doors come off. The roof comes off. The front axle disconnects. And when driving around without the roof panels or front doors on, you can stow those in the back cargo area."
Aaron Turpen6 min read
Sunday Car Review: 2023 Lexus GX 460 Is Hay Bale Ready
After getting annihilated by readers for suggesting a hybrid mid-sized SUV was 'perfect for Wyoming's families,' automotive writer Aaron Turpen reviews the largest and "oldest-school SUV still being sold as new today" -- the 2023 Lexus GX 460.
Aaron Turpen4 min read
Aaron Turpen: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is My Recommend for Wyoming
In my career as an automotive journalist, I have driven a lot of cars, trucks, and SUVs. Never have I met a small family sport utility as perfect for Wyoming as the new Mitsubishi Outlander in its plug-in hybrid format.
Aaron Turpen6 min read
Aaron Turpen: Used Car Market Saw Prices Briefly Cool Off But It’s Not Going To Continue
If youre looking to buy a new or used vehicle, dont expect current price drops to continue for long. And dont hang your hopes on interest rates dropping very soon. Were still in a sellers market.
Aaron Turpen4 min read
Aaron Turpen Car Review: 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary is Retro Awesome Guzzling
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen says the 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition is a remembrance of what vehicles were before we put effort into making them efficient. And comfortable. And ergonomic. And truly useful.
Aaron Turpen5 min read
Aaron Turpen: Heads Up! Feds Now Say Steering Wheels Are Optional In Vehicles
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen says the steering wheel is eventually going to go the way of the dodo bird. The U.S. Department of Transportation has ruled that manual controls in autonomous vehicles are logically unnecessary.
Aaron Turpen5 min read
Aaron Turpen On Trucks: Ford F-150 Lightning is the Ultimate Urban Cowboy Truck
In his review of the Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck, automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes: "Most of us in Wyoming are familiar with urban cowboys. Now we have the pickup truck equivalent."
Aaron Turpen6 min read
Aaron Turpen: The Largest Auto Show Is Visited By the Smallest State
Columnist Aaron Turpen the largest auto show in North America last week. He writes: "The Chicago Auto Show is held every year at the McCormick Center. Those who have been to McCormick know that there are ranches for sale in Laramie that have smaller footprints than that place does."
Aaron Turpen5 min read
Aaron Turpen: Belize is the Wyoming of Central America
Automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes: "I recently visited Belize and found the culture and circumstances of that country to be very familiar. Especially in driving habits and general attitude. Getting stuck in a traffic jam there because of a horse made me think of home."
Aaron Turpen4 min read
Aaron Turpen: Buying A Car At An Auction? Here’s What To Know So You Don’t Screw It Up
Columnist Aaron Turpen writes: "A lot of people in Wyoming are turning to automotive auctions as a way to get a vehicle. Its easy to screw this up, though. Especially if youre new to vehicle auctions. Lets talk turkey so you dont look like one."
Aaron Turpen9 min read
Aaron Turpen: I Went To The DMV In Cheyenne And It Wasn’t Horrible
Aaron Turpen writes; "My trip to the Cheyenne DMV was not the hell promised by Les Claypool when he sang about it in that Primus song. Perhaps the new age has brought improvements to the bureaucracy that Claypool referenced. Or maybe its just that Im not attending a DMV in California."
Aaron Turpen5 min read
Aaron Turpen: Roundabouts — Evil Efficiency Monstrosities or Bastions for Intelligent Drivers?
Called in to officiate another Cowboy State Daily newsroom dispute, automotive writer Aaron Turpen discusses roundabouts and whether they should be embraced or banned.
Aaron Turpen7 min read
Aaron Turpen: What’s The Deal With 85 Octane Gasoline? Safe To Use Or Not?
Debate in the Cowboy State Daily newsroom erupted over whether to use 85 octane gasoline or not. As the automotive writer, I was asked to answer the question...
Aaron Turpen9 min read
Aaron Turpen: How To Be a Safe Driver (I’m An Expert, Listen To Me)
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen says if you are not merging onto the Interstate at the speed limit (75 or 80mph) you are putting everyone in danger and are a menace to society.
Aaron Turpen5 min read