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MotorBiscuit Contributing WriterMore articles: Hybrids & Electrics

Joe Santos

Joe Santos has been an automotive journalist since 2013 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2020. He writes strongly on consumer advice and new cars, and we consider him an asset to readers looking for guidance in buying and selling autos.

Joe earned a Bachelor’s in Journalism from California State University, Fullerton, and spent years as a Road Test Editor at Kelley Blue Book, after which he served in various automotive-related roles, including an autonomous vehicle trainer for GM, a vehicle sales manager, and an Audi brand specialist.

Joe’s prized possession is a 2008 Honda S2000 in Laguna Blue Pearl, with which he attends local car meets. Joe is also a content creator for LTD Global, a B2B support firm.

2,773 posts From Author
Hybrids & EVs

3 Fantastic Features on the 2020 Lexus UX 250h F Sport

The Lexus UX 250h the brand’s smallest and most-affordable hybrid crossover. After spending some time with this model, which was also equipped with the F Sport package, we found a few features that we really like about it. And while there are were also some features that we didn’t like, here are the few fantastic …
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Trends

Forget the Acura ILX, the Honda Civic Touring Is a Better Buy

The Acura ILX was just refreshed for the 2019 model year and now boasts bolder looks, but the top-trim Honda Civic Touring could actually prove to be a better buy. Sure, Acura’s entry-level sedan might look fancier and seem better because it has a luxury badge and a unique look, but a closer inspection reveals …
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Hybrids & EVs

3 Annoying Features on the 2020 Lexus UX 250h

We have been lucky enough to have a 2020 Lexus UX 250h F Sport for the better part of a week. And while it does do well as the luxury hybrid crossover that it’s meant to be, there are some parts of it we don’t like. Don’t get us wrong; it’s a good car with …
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2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition
Trends

2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition: Gone in 240 Seconds

The difference between the “rare” and the “ultra-rare” is as different as the Honda Civic Si and Civic Type R; they’re essentially the same thing, but one is just a little more special. And if the Civic Type R is rare, then the Civic Type R Limited Edition is the epitome of ultra-rare as only …
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Hybrids & EVs

Is Buying a Volkswagen e-Golf a Good Idea?

The Volkswagen “dirty diesel” stigma might still exist in some consumer’s minds, but the all-electric e-Golf could be a much cleaner option for those looking to save on fuel costs. And while Volkswagen’s electrified hatchback might not suit everyone’s daily needs, it provides a fair amount of practicality and reliability. But is buying a Volkswagen …
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A blue UX 250h F Sport model on the track.
Hybrids & EVs

Is the Lexus UX 250h Just a Fancy Toyota Corolla Hybrid?

Out of all of the models in Lexus’ current lineup, the UX 250h has to be the most confusing one. In pictures, it looks to be the same size as its NX stablemate and possibly the size of a RAV4, but it’s as big as neither of those. Instead, think of it as a Toyota …
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A Honda Motor Co. emblem is seen at the Honda of Hollywood dealership on August 5, 2011 in Los Angeles, California.
Trends

Before You Buy a Civic Type R, Consider This Honda Model First

Are you thinking about buying a 2020 Honda Civic Type R to live out your boy-racer dreams and tear up the streets with all of its turbocharged VTEC glory? You might want to consider some alternatives first. That’s not to say that the Civic Type R isn’t a good car, it is, but there are …
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Trends

3 Reasons the Hyundai Elantra Is Better Than the Toyota Corolla

The compact segment has been led by the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla for decades and it would be tough to dethrone either of them as their respective sales numbers climb year after year. However, worthy competitors like the Hyundai Elantra, have advanced leaps and bounds over the past few years and while the best …
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Trends

Looking for a Budget Super Car? Buy a Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R has been one of the most venerable supercars ever since it came to the U.S. back in 2008. Its low cost of entry, for a supercar, and explosive power was big news back then and many dreamers and prospective buyers wished that they could have the “Godzilla” car in their driveways someday. …
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Coupes

Was the 1 Series M Coupe the Best BMW Ever Made?

Building and producing a sports coupe that appeals to the masses is not an easy task, however, BMW has done it many times over the years. The M3 has been arguably one of the best European sports cars that you can buy, no matter the generation, and the M2 has been a fan favorite. But …
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2019 Ford F-150 Raptors with Fox Live Vale electronic shocks
Trucks & SUVs

5 Reasons the Ford F-150 Raptor Is Better Than the RAM Rebel

Let’s face it, it’s really tough to beat the Ford F-150 Raptor when it comes to finding a production off-road-ready truck. Although, there is one truck that could possibly be better than the Raptor: the RAM Rebel. It’s cheaper, has a strong V8 engine, and is available with some handy storage solutions, but anyone that’s …
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Car salesman leans against a 2005 Ford Supercab F-350 diesel truck
Trends

Is Negotiating a Car Deal Really Worth Your Time and Effort?

One of the toughest parts of buying a car from a dealership is being presented with the final sales numbers and trying to decipher whether or not you’re getting the best car deal. Even if you have done all of your research beforehand and know the price that you should be paying, it can be …
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A used Mazda RX-8 in blue
Trends

Can a Mazda RX-8 Actually Be a Reliable Car?

There are few cars in the used market that can elicit the type of emotion that you feel when driving a Mazda RX-8. The sound that its rotary engine makes when you hit the 9,000 rpm redline is intoxicating and the way the car carves through corners is sublime. All this emotion comes at a …
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2019 Subaru Forester Sport parked in front of mountains
Crossovers

Why Is the Subaru Forester Successful With Just One Engine Choice?

Carroll Shelby once said, “Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races,” and while that might be true when it comes to racing, it’s not necessarily true when it comes to selling cars. Case in point, Subaru used to sell Forester XT model that was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produced 250 horsepower, but it …
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Hybrids & EVs

What Are the Disadvantages of Owning a Hybrid Car?

Hybrid cars have been gaining in popularity over the past two decades and there are currently about 20 different hybrid models in the market to choose from. The advantages of owning a hybrid car, as far as saving fuel and saving the planet, are pretty clear, however, there are some disadvantages that prospective buyers might …
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Hybrids & EVs

Is the Nissan Leaf a Better Buy Over a Tesla Model 3?

The electric vehicle category is less a category than it is a race. And believe it or not, the two front runners are the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Model 3. These two models were fighting for position over the past year as becoming the “all-time, best-selling electric vehicle worldwide,” and the Leaf had the …
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Trucks & SUVs

5 Reasons the RAM Rebel Is Better Than the Ford F-150 Raptor

When it comes to off-road trucks, there is no more-formidable truck than the Ford F-150 Raptor. It’s been in production for the past decade and has taken the throne as America’s favorite desert-runner since its introduction. And while the F-150 Raptor is tough to compete with, the RAM Rebel sure does hold its own. Here …
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Trends

How Long Does a Hybrid Car Battery Last?

Hybrid cars have been popular in the past decade and we doubt that sales will be slowing down any time soon. That being said, there are a lot of older Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, and Hyundai Ioniq models currently popping up in the used market and while they can all present a good deal, there …
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Coupes

The C6 Corvette is Reliable, But Can You Afford It?

Just like the Ford F-150, the Chevrolet Corvette is one of America’s favorite cars. One of the most popular models is the C6 Corvette as it’s fast, fun, and, with the proper care and maintenance, it can be very reliable. In fact, there have been C6 Corvettes that have racked up 200,000 miles. So we …
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Trends

How Do You Clean a Convertible Top?

If you happen to have a car with a convertible top, then it’s a good idea to clean and condition it from time to time. Sure, you can run the whole car through a car wash and get the top clean that way, but over time, the top can fade and even wear out, causing …
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