Live Q&As

We'll know more about Toyota's plans next week in Geneva. My hunch is that Toyota will  increase Prius passenger room by 2014. Why? Competition, such as the Ford C.Max. And GM wisely is doubling down on its increasingly popular Chevrolet Volt technology, moving it to other nameplates in the GM fleet.

I have to study that report more before I attempt to answer intelligently.

Thanks for joining us in the chat room.

The Focus is a good car. I wouldn't have thought of it as a mid-life crisis car. I just think of it as a good, all-around car.

The one issue Ford gets dinged on, the most, is their infotainment system. They have made adjustments, but it can still be cumbersome. I tend to like it. Once you get to know the system I think you will like it. It offers so much.

I got the miles per gallon with the Focus that Ford said I should, so I am happy there as well.

Enjoy the car.

Not having the money to pay for it. Check your accounts and future spending needs. What are your transportation needs and wants. How do they match funds on hand and credit rating. Buy accordingly.

No. The simple truth is that most EPA mileage stickers are, at  best, estimates. Your real mileage will vary for a variety of reasons--road conditions, driving style, weather, passenger and cargo load on board, fuel type. The list is endless.

The Hyundai Santa Fe is coming out with a 3rd row seat. If you want a fun peppy car that has 3 rows look at the Ford Flex V6 Ecoboost. It's base price is almost $44,000 but I love that car.

Drive the RAV4, and then drive both of those and let me know what you think.

First, I've never taken "retiement" seriously. I have no idea of what it means.

Second, I've been married to the same woman for 45 years, during which time she has never allowed me or anyone else to "squire" her about. She'd rather drive.

Bottom line:  We'll drive whatever car SHE wants, and we can afford.

I'd stick with dealership service unless there is a compelling reason to do otherwise. I'd keep all records of service, whether they be from a dealer or an independent shop. Record keeping is essential to proving any product recall fixes, which could affect resale value.

I just glanced at an article last night that was talking about this.  I came away thinking It's all about the art of illusion, People want a car that is zippy, fun to drive and can go fast.

Your'e right, I don't think even OJ Simpson did 160 mph, but there is that Dukes of Hazard mentality and if one car has it, other car companies will follow suit if sales say to do so.

It compares well, especially the Escape Titanium version. You know the routine: Wallet and credit check; needs and wants list; Consumer Reports reliability ratings; transaction price (total purchase price); condition of dealership back shop. If you buy your car there, would you want it repaired there?

Scion BR-Z

The police seem to love their Dodge Chargers and Ford Taurus cruisers. Sadillac  seems to be filling a lot of black sedan services with its Escalade models. Lincoln must've pre-sold a bunch of Crown Vic-platform executive sedans. I'm seeing them at airports everywhere in the U.S.

No, have you? That seems counter-intuitive, especially now. Used cars have been in high demand, car dealers want those cars back to sell at a premium.

Have you seen this happening?

I grew up with the same thing, largeky thanks to Joan Claybrook and Clarence Ditlow who lobbied for that. I thought it was dumb at the time. I was young...and stupid. Fact is, there are no places that I know of in the Unite States where you legally can run 85. Most roads nowadays are so crowded, you are lucky to do 55 steadily. I now see no need for speedometers that exceed 100.

I think it's coming out as a 2013 model. I will be driving it in a couple weeks and will be able to give driving impressions then.

I can't ride in the 3rd row. I am claustrophobic and would freak out. I have visions of being in an accident and not having a door to get out of the car.

I wouldn't put anone that isn't young and agile in the back seat, ever. I've read that most people don't use the back seat regularly to carry passengers, they use it to haul stuff.

With a 3rd row you can seat 5 amicably and still carry all their stuff.

First, make sure your mother "needs' or "wants" to sell her Malibu.

Second, Chevy Malibu cars, especially the newer models, are not "old lady" cars.

Third, your Mom is not an old lady. She is your Mom, which makes her forever Regal.

Fourth, also check with Carmax, whose used-car buying prices strike me as fair and realistic.

Fifth, act accordingly.

Geez. I can give you a quick list: Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Spark.

It mostly has to deal with marketing.

Wow. Have her email me at lou at carlist .com.

I'm interested in this. Warren, have you heard of this?

It's why we keep our old cars, so that my husband can work on them. Nowadays you have to take your car to a service person in a white coat and have them hook it up to what looks like an EKG machine. It's all computerized.

Both Warren and I have been telling manufacturers that for a while. The Audi Allroad just came back on the market and I love it!

It's interesting that some SUVs are getting shorter, making them more wagon like.

Ford C-Max, Kia Rio, Honda Fit, VW GTI and Golf R, Ford Focus.

Gosh, there's so many. It's the one segment that is floursihing.

Do you have any friends that have an older car that is in decent shape? At that price point you might try the classifieds, but make sure to have a mechanic look it over.

Congratulations on the new bundle of joy.

I like what they've done with the new Pilot and you are right you won't get that type of car for cheap. I love the Ford Flex, Hyundai is coming out with a Santa Fe long wheel base, Buick Enclave. But you will pay more.

You should also consider getting the backup camera. That many kids running around you don't want to be in reverse and not be able to see them.

I haven't had the chance to look at the nuances. I will have to get back to you on it.

You have to take into account the more miles you will get on diesel fuel and decide from there.