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When we grow up, which, at the moment, we show no signs of doing. We want 75 mpg, but we also want maximum horsepower and performance...and safety. We want the cheapest gasoline in the developed world, which undercuts investments in new fuel-saving technologies. We want freedom from government, smaller and "no government," but we also want someone to give us 75 mpg. Really? We need to grow up.

My sincere apologies. That kind of confusion won't happen again. The references were to the Clubman. I should have made that clear.

The 2012 BMW 6-Series is offered with two different engines, a 3-liter inline Six, about 350 hp in the 640i and a 4,4-liter V-8 in the 650i and iterations. I've driven the 640i and see no real earthly reason for the more powerful 650i. No legal place, except a race track, to drive and enjoy the full potential of the 650i.

Nearly all vehicle lines have several trim levels. Go to the base trim level of each line to find the "least popular." Go to the mid trim level to find the "most popular." Go to the highest trim level to find the most loaded, but usually least affordable.

Design is in the eye of the beholder. What I think is "good design" might be horrific to you. For example, I liked what Chris Bangel (sp) did to BMW. Other people hated it. No one person or company has a corner on design any more than one artist defines all art.

Consumer choice. Many of us prefer the power, yet relatively low fuel consumption, of turbocharged and supercharged engines, which tend to be high-compression engines requiring premium fuel. If that is what we want that is what we buy, knowing in advance that we will pay more for fuel. Similarly, we buy different houses, some costing far more than others, ....different clothes.

You want a small SUV for work? Get a Nissan Xterra or Chevrolet Eqinox, orf Ford Escape.

Virginia has, or is, in the process of getting rid of that dumb, politically inspired, intelligence bereft rule of allowing single drivers in HOV express lanes simply because they are driving a hybrid vehicle. Makes no sense for current hybrids, most of which save more fuel in congested urban traffic. Makes no sense for relieving congestion on highways, where most hybrid vehicles depend on their gasoline components and where an extra single-occupant vehicle with a hybrid tag defeats the purpose of HOV lanes in the first place. If you want a hybrid, buy a hybrid. But don't waste time or money buying it because you think some benighted jurisdiction is going to allow you to use an HOV lane as a single driver.

Acura is working to give more differentiation to the ILX and TSX. I don't exactly know when, or how, we'll see the proof-in-metal results. But I do know that Acura had better hurry up, especially if it hopes to get affluent consumers looking for a premium small wagon. Take a good look at the new Audi Allroad Quattro. What does Acura have to beat that?

Based on personal experience, I vote for Carmax.

Short answer: Yes. Recent Sonata sedans are doing an excellent job of holding their value. Hyundai shoppers not happy with new-car prices might migrate to used. Dealers need those.

I am arguing that the government has a political and economic responsibility to ensure that we, as a nation, remain technologically and educationally competent. The only politicians who don't understand that are those who don't read, don't travel, drink far too much tea, and don't think. Look at Germany. It invests loads of "taxpayer money" into retaining and maintaining its own industrial and technological bases. It puts money into strenthening its educational system, especially in technology, science...and art. As a result, Germany has a lower unemployment rate than all of an economically troubled Europe. German products generally are revered. Look at China's national investment in science, technology, commerce. It is high time that we in America jettison the childish, selfish sophistry of individualism uber alles. Somewhat to that point, I am ever amazed that many of us who call ourselves Christians also think that it is "socialist" to work for and with one another for the greater good of the nation.

I'd certainly look at the Sorento, also the Mazda CX7 and CX9. The CX5 is something of a possibility. As is the Ford Flex, which is more wagon than anything,

I was going to recommend, in fact, the Honda Fit Sport. It has space for a large dog withthe rear seats folded. It also has space for your stuff. It's fun to drive, safe, and reliable.

That is one painfully accurate way of stating the obvious.

Not necessarily. But Carmax offers fewer headaches.

You have correctly answered your own question.