Aaron Turpen
Latest from Aaron Turpen
Aaron Turpen: Is 2024 The Last Model Year For The “Real” Toyota 4Runner?
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, “There are a lot of Toyota 4Runner enthusiasts who see the 2024 model year, which marks the end of the fifth generation for the SUV, as the ending of the 4Runner."
Aaron TurpenNovember 10, 2024
Aaron Turpen: AA is for Automotive Acronyms
Like any industry, automotive has a lot of jargon. Including a host of acronyms that are used without much explanation. It's not at the level of the military when it comes to letters that mean words, but it’s not far behind. Here are some of the most popular.
Aaron TurpenNovember 09, 2024
Should You Put Winter Tires On Your Vehicle In Wyoming?
Should you get snow tires this winter? Automotive writer Aaron Turpen says it depends on where you live in Wyoming, how much winter driving you actually do, and what type of vehicle you’re going to be doing it in.
Aaron TurpenOctober 12, 2024
Aaron Turpen: After More Than A Decade, Toyota Finally Redesigned The Sequoia
Automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes, “Toyota finally redesigned the aged Sequoia into a new third generation for the big SUV. The new version has a hybrid powertrain, lots of towing capability and an afterthought third row.”
Aaron TurpenSeptember 22, 2024
Aaron Turpen: How To Avoid Some Common Auto Repair Scams, And Some That Aren’t
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, "There are a lot of scams, many of which are legal, in the car selling and repair business. Luckily, it doesn’t take a lot of knowledge to avoid most of them."
Aaron TurpenSeptember 07, 2024
Is It Possible To Get A Good Car At A Police Auction? Yes, But It's A Gamble
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen says there are two types of vehicles at police auctions: impounded or confiscated vehicles and surplus police and government agency vehicles. You stand a better chance of finding a serviceable car with the latter, he says.
Aaron TurpenAugust 31, 2024
Aaron Turpen: Common Car Myths vs Reality
Aaron Turpen writes, "A while back, I wrote about gas saving tips, debunking some of the common misconceptions and validating a few others. Now let’s look at some other automotive myths and see if they have any footing in reality."
Aaron TurpenAugust 25, 2024
Aaron Turpen: 2024 Honda Passport Is A Ticket To 2-Row SUV Goodness
Automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes, “I’m mostly positive about the 2024 Passport. I think Honda hit a mark with this one and it doesn’t get the attention it should. It’s a strong contender in a competitive market.”
Aaron TurpenAugust 10, 2024
Why Are There So Many New Car Washes In Wyoming?
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, "The last few years has seen a veritable explosion in the number of car washes opening around us in Wyoming. Why is that? It's all about the subscriptions, baby."
Aaron TurpenJuly 31, 2024
Aaron Turpen: The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Gets Tougher As It Grows Up
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, “The payoff for all of that my two-car garage no longer fits two cars change is interior roominess. And there’s a lot of it. Seating for six or seven is standard (depending on second row options) and its third row is actually usable.”
Aaron TurpenJuly 20, 2024
Aaron Turpen: People In Wyoming Drive A LOT
The average Wyoming driver drives 24,000 miles per year. No other state is remotely close to that. Vermont is in second place with 13,000 miles per year. By contrast, drivers in Rhode Island drive the least amount at 9,900 miles per year.
Aaron TurpenJuly 18, 2024
Aaron Turpen: When Will Cars Be Affordable Again? Very Soon
Wyoming automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, "By mid-July, most manufacturers will be offering heavy incentives to buy new. If you’re looking to buy, this summer might be your chance to get past some of those high prices that might have made you wince."
Aaron TurpenJune 21, 2024
Aaron Turpen: I Jawed At High Schoolers About My Job and It Was Bussin, No Cap
Wyoming automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes, "Recently, I went to East High to talk to about what I do for a living. I told this group of ninth graders about myself. I drive brand new cars, supplied by manufacturers, and then write about those cars."
Aaron TurpenJune 16, 2024
Aaron Turpen: Electrify America Chargers In Cheyenne -- A Case Study
Wyoming automotive columnist Aaron Turpen test drove a Mercedes-Benz EQE, a BMW i4, and a Genesis GV60. He charged them all at the Electrify America chargers at the Target parking lot in Cheyenne. He was less than impressed.
Aaron TurpenJune 02, 2024
Aaron Turpen: New Car Reliability Sucks. And It’s Getting Worse
Columnist Aaron Turpen writes, "Quality issues with new cars have doubled since 2010. Every automaker has lower reliability now than it did 14 years ago. We can mostly blame technology."
Aaron TurpenApril 29, 2024
Aaron Turpen: 2024 Nissan Sentra Proves That Sedans Are Still a Great Place To Start
Columnist Aaron Turpen writes, "There aren’t many sedans left on the market today. The Nissan Sentra remains one of the few truly affordable options outside of the subcompact genre."
Aaron TurpenApril 27, 2024
Aaron Turpen: Wyoming Has Fewer Auto Loan Defaults Than Any Other State
Columnist Aaron Turpen writes, "Wyoming has the lowest rate in the country of automotive loans that fall into delinquency at just 1.48%. That compares to a near 13% delinquency in the state of Washington which fares the worst."
Aaron TurpenApril 26, 2024
Aaron Turpen: Yellowstone From the Back of a Snowmobile Is the Best Way To Go
Columnist Aaron Turpen writes, "Going to Yellowstone in the winter is a bucket list item. I’ve been to Yellowstone a few times. Always during tourism season. This was the first time I actually heard Old Faithful when it erupted."
Aaron TurpenMarch 23, 2024
Aaron Turpen: Why Are Pickup Truck Beds Separate From the Cab?
Columnist Aaron Turpen writes, "Have you ever wondered why the cargo bed of large pickup trucks is separate from the cab of said truck? The engineering reasons, and the notable exceptions that proved it was needed, are an interesting story."
Aaron TurpenMarch 16, 2024
Aaron Turpen: The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz Keeps On Truckin’
Automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes, “The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers all the truckiness small truck owners need and looks good in the process. The Santa Cruz shares the comfort and smooth driving quality of that SUV, but adds a truck bed and better-tuned all-wheel drive system.”
Aaron TurpenMarch 10, 2024
Aaron Turpen: The Crown Is Proof Toyota Can Make Pretty Cars
Automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes, “The Crown has a lot in common with its predecessor, including similar drivetrains and a similar interior size. Unlike the ‘this is basically a Camrolla’ look of the Avalon, though, the Crown is … well … beautiful.”
Aaron TurpenFebruary 25, 2024
Aaron Turpen: When It Comes To Minivans, The Kia Carnival’s My MVP
Automotive columnist Aaron Tupen writes, “Of all of the minivans I’ve driven in today’s market, the Kia Carnival is my favorite, and not just because its name makes me think of half-dressed samba. It’s the only peppy, good-handling minivan of the current crop.”
Aaron TurpenJanuary 31, 2024
Aaron Turpen: Why Cars Struggle to Start In the Cold
Automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes, "Why does your car have such a tough time starting when the weather is cold? I can explain. In about 800 words or so. Without once using the word 'shrinkage!'"
Aaron TurpenJanuary 12, 2024
Aaron Turpen: Drive A Ram Truck Or Tesla? Data Says You’re A Bad Driver
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, “The most incident-prone (accidents, DUI, citations) in Wyoming is ... Saturn. Only in Wyoming would a brand that hasn’t produced a vehicle in more than a decade be one of the highest on any list.”
Aaron TurpenJanuary 06, 2024
Aaron Turpen: 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV Floats My Boat
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, “The new 2023 Mustang Mach-E drives really well, can blow the doors off almost any other vehicle around it and it’s comfortable. Plus, it has somewhere between 247 and 312 miles of range, depending on which model you choose."
Aaron TurpenNovember 20, 2023
Aaron Turpen: The Indian Hooligan e-Bike Is The Coolest Thing Since, Well, Ever
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, “The Indian eFTR Hooligan is the adult version of the banana seat Huffy, but without the skinned knees, questionable homemade ramps for getting air and constant chain and sprocket maintenance.”
Aaron TurpenNovember 03, 2023
Aaron Turpen: 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD Hauls People And Rocks, But Not Donkeys
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, “The upside to a huge vehicle like this in Colorado traffic is that you automatically gain some respect from the speedsters in their Prius and smart car choices. The downside is that, like most Colorado drivers, they still seem to have a death wish.”
Aaron TurpenOctober 20, 2023
Aaron Turpen: The Aragon Collection — Four Generations Of Corvettes And Other Beauties
Automotive Writer Aaron Turpen writes, “I could see that he was in love. He didn’t just like this car. He like liked it. His eyes had that gleeful enamor-filled glaze a fifth grader gets when he meets his first crush. A few weeks later, he had one in his driveway.’
Aaron TurpenAugust 31, 2023
Aaron Turpen Car Review: 2023 Toyota Venza Wagons The Station Out Of It
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, "Toyota knows there are people who still love station wagons. And not just people who own five windbreakers that say Columbia on them, order coffees with six names in the description, and cover the back of their car in bumper stickers involving the name 'Bernie.'"
Aaron TurpenJuly 27, 2023
Wyoming Car Collectors: The Many Motors of Dave Shimerka
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes, "I met Dave at a recent car show in Cheyenne. I was immediately attracted to his AMC Rebel, which is a rare model of 'The Machine.' I went to Dave’s home later on and got a glimpse of his car collection. It’s fantastic."
Aaron TurpenJune 30, 2023
Wyoming Places: Seven Great Finds For A Car Nut At Gillette’s Frontier Auto Museum
Gillette’s Frontier Auto Museum is a must for anyone’s bucket list, even if you’re not a car nerd. Here are my seven favorites I spotted while there.
Aaron TurpenJune 25, 2023
Aaron Turpen: The Tesla Cybertruck Is A Joke That’s Trolling The Automotive World
Automotive Writer Aaron Turpen writes, “Tesla will release the Cybertruck, eventually, and get the initial splash from it. But Elon will, however, laugh this off since the Cybertruck is clearly just another one of his trolls.
Aaron TurpenJune 23, 2023
Aaron Turpen: Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Is All Luxury That’s Not Quite Fit For the 1%
Automotive Writer Aaron Turpen writes: “The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is, like most luxury models, a lot of letters and numbers that mean little to the average person on the street. This one is destined to just be called “the Mercedes” by its owners.”
Aaron TurpenJune 22, 2023
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 TurpenMay 30, 2023
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 TurpenMay 19, 2023
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 TurpenMay 03, 2023
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 TurpenApril 18, 2023
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 TurpenApril 12, 2023
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 TurpenApril 10, 2023
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 TurpenApril 04, 2023
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 TurpenMarch 23, 2023
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 TurpenMarch 12, 2023
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 TurpenMarch 06, 2023
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 TurpenMarch 02, 2023
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 TurpenFebruary 28, 2023
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 TurpenFebruary 25, 2023
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 TurpenFebruary 19, 2023
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 TurpenFebruary 14, 2023
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 TurpenFebruary 06, 2023
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 TurpenJanuary 30, 2023
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 TurpenJanuary 11, 2023
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 TurpenJanuary 02, 2023
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 TurpenDecember 29, 2022
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 TurpenDecember 07, 2022
The Great Wyoming Debate: Wipers Up or Down in the Storm?
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen says in Wyoming it's a bad idea to put your wipers up when snow hits.
Aaron TurpenNovember 08, 2022
Aaron Turpen: Musings On School Zones and Cheyenne’s Illiterate Drivers
Automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes: "What I notice in school zones is both frightening and amusing at the same time. In the same way that watching videos on Yellowstone National Park: Invasion of the Idiots is."
Aaron TurpenOctober 05, 2022
Aaron Turpen: Know Why New Cars Are Expensive? It’s Not Just Greed
Cowboy State Daily automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes: "So why are new cars so expensive? The short answer is inflation plus shortages plus the base model effect. The long answer? Well, keep reading."
Aaron TurpenSeptember 23, 2022
Aaron Turpen: Before You Ask, Let Me Explain What I Do for a Living
Cowboy State Daily automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes: "People see me driving new cars all the time and wonder what I do. Ive been asked if Im a drug dealer, a spy, or some kind of car dealer."
Aaron TurpenSeptember 01, 2022
Aaron Turpen: Used Car Prices Are Nuts! When Is This Going To Change?
Cowboy State Daily automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes: "Probably the most-asked question right now, as gas prices finally begin to drop, is why used cars cost almost as much as new ones."
Aaron TurpenAugust 24, 2022
Aaron Turpen: New Car Dealerships Are Going to Die Kicking and Screaming
Automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes: "Price gouging is a more common practice than most manufacturers will admit to and recent surveys have shown that consumers are not pleased at all. We will see the traditional dealership model crumble. And quickly."
Aaron TurpenAugust 10, 2022
Aaron Turpen: Traditional Car Dealership Is Dead; Consumers Now Have Advantage
Cowboy State Daily automotive writer Aaron Turpen explains why the traditional car dealership is dead and why consumers now have the advantage.
Aaron TurpenJuly 30, 2022
Aaron Turpen: No, Buying an Electric Car Does Not Make You a Democrat
Cowboy State Daily automotive columnist Aaron Turpen writes: "While you may or may not be ready for an electric vehicle right now, you will likely see them as commonplace in your lifetime. And considering one wont change your political affiliation. I promise."
Aaron TurpenJuly 05, 2022
Aaron Turpen: Don’t Take Those Gas-Saving Tips Too Seriously, Although Some Have Some Merit
Cowboy State Daily automotive columnist Aaron Turpen says most of the gas-saving tips you see on the Internet are fake, but some actually have some merit.
Aaron TurpenJune 14, 2022
Aaron Turpen: Would An Electric Car Fit Your Wyoming Lifestyle?
Aaron Turpen writes: "The question posed in the headline is a fun one because most people have a knee-jerk answer for it. Usually not a nice one. But considered on their merits, there are use cases for electric vehicles in Wyoming."
Aaron TurpenJune 01, 2022
Window Sticker Lies: Why Your Fuel Economy In Wyoming Isn’t As Advertised
Columnist Aaron Turpen writes: "As a part of what I do for a living, I drive a lot of cars. Big ones, little ones, pickups, hybrids, you name it. Most of the time, the EPA estimates for Miles Per Gallon (MPG) are wrong -- especially in Wyoming."
Aaron TurpenMay 25, 2022
Aaron Turpen: Is Wyoming Ready For Electric Cars? It Needs To Be.
Cowboy State Daily automotive writer Aaron Turpen writes whether Wyoming likes it or not, electric vehicles are here. And destinations like Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Cheyenne Frontier Days need to be ready.
Aaron TurpenApril 21, 2022