Marketplace®

Daily business news and economic stories
  • Cars outnumber drivers in Los Angeles nearly two to one, but you don't necessarily need one to get around, according to one frugal commuter who does it on an electric-assisted bike.

  • Buying car parts through the dealership means sky-high prices and you can never be too sure that what you see online will look the same when it arrives on your doorstep. Bill Mahoney takes us on a search through junkyards to find bargain car parts.

  • Auto mechanics aren't really known for their honesty. But one candid shop owner shares what consumers should know before they take their cars to a garage.

  • Adam Carolla tells Tess why he thinks used cars are the way to go and offers his thoughts on a certain public radio car talk show.

  • Phil Reed of Edmunds.com explains what factors you should consider when deciding whether to lease or buy a new car.

  • Mike Quincy of Consumer Report sheds some light on car pricing and how you can get the best price. He also gives suggestions on the best budget cars.

  • KPCC's John Rabe talks about how his Mercedes got atherosclerosis after he converted it to run on vegetable oil.

  • We break down the pros and cons of purchasing new and used cars.

  • Dexter Ford from the New York Times and Steve Mazor from the Auto Club of Southern California discuss what cars cost us and the mistakes we make when it comes to our cars and finances.

  • Marketplace Host Kai Ryssdal on cars: "Wow, this makes me a little sad. Then - 1971 Oldsmobile convertible (in photo), red/white top, went about a million miles an hour. Now - Honda minivan with 150-thousand miles on it."
    Kai Ryssdal/Marketplace

    Nostalgia, power, economy, independence: These are some of the emotions that connect Americans to their automobiles. View a slideshow of car memories from the Marketplace staff (yes, that's Kai Ryssdal in a 1971 Olds) and share your photos.

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