Sierra Terminal Ring Ec04240 on 2040-parts.com

Cash for clunkers: Is it ready for prime time in America?

One proposed solution to prop up new-car sales in the United States involves paying bonuses to owners of older vehicles who send their cars to the scrapyard and buy new ones. Proponents say that not only does the auto industry benefit, but so does the environment, as emissions decrease and fuel economy typically improves in newer models. Critics, however, say that scrapping older vehicles hurts collectors by reducing the number of older models available and also hurts those least able to afford to buy newer vehicles by driving up the price of used cars.

Kias are the least expensive to insure; Audi and Acura, not so much

The Kia Sedona tops the list, with the Mazda 5, the Ford Escape and the Hyundai Santa Fe right behind. No, it's not the “top cars least likely to be bought by enthusiasts” list, although it would fit. It's the list of the least expensive cars to insure.

2012 Buick Verano compact teased

Buick is teasing its future compact sedan called the Verano. A picture of the small car was released on Thursday along with the news that General Motors would spend $145 million to upgrade a factory in Lake Orion, Mich., to build the Buick and a Chevrolet small car. The Verano would be a 2012 model.