Tip of the Week: The good, the bad and the ugly of 2016

Each year, mechanic Bill Gardiner compiles a thumbs up and thumbs down list for Motoring TV's Car of the Year show.

For 2016, Bill says the good revolves around the Ford F-150 and its all-aluminum body.

But the rust-resistant nature of aluminum isn't the only reason the F-150 gets a big thumbs up from Bill for 2016.

"Better performance, better fuel economy, more nimble handling," Bill says.

"(It) just improves the whole operation of a vehicle when you can cut weight."

Bill also predicts that Ford's move will be followed shortly by other pickup truck manufacturers, which will be better for consumers.

Also earning a thumbs up are GM's twin midsize pickups, the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado.

His thumbs down this year has less to do with brand new vehicles as it does a growing trend among a particular nameplate that's been on the market for a number of years: Sprinter vans.

Built by Daimler and badged as Mercedes-Benz, Dodge and even Freightliner, the Sprinter is prone to rust—a lot of rust, actually.

"Great vehicle in terms of utility and performance ... but the body just rusts terribly," Bill says, noting tradespeople need dependable vehicles to run their businesses.

"There's no excuse for a company with that engineering might to produce a vehicle like that in this day and age," he says.

Bill also gives all manufacturers a thumbs down for failing to embrace all-weather tires rather than all-seasons as factory equipment.

This segment originally appeared on Episode 13 of Motoring 2016.