Warren, I applaud BMW for putting their new turbo 4 in their 3 series (and even the 5 series which I find hard to swallow) for improved mileage. But I had an old BMW 3181i with a 4 banger that had to work very hard to move that car. Have you driven the 3 series with the turbo 4 and what were your impressions. Thanks.
Yes, I've driven the diesel powered (turbo diesel) prototype of the #28. I love it and hope BMW goes through with production and retail.
Hello, Warren. Just wanted to follow up on my question last week about replacing the 8-year-old tires on my older care. I got a new set of 4 tires that are quiet and âAâ rated for traction. The car runs better, and the peace of mind is priceless. Thank you again.
Warren, in your opinion what's the best but economical convertible on the market? Thanks
Keeping in mind that there s no such thing as a "practical" convertible, I'd go with something affordable and fun, such as the Mazda MX5 Miata.
I will soon be in the market for a new convertible, under $45,000, with an automatic or automated manual transmission. I like reliable cars that use regular gas. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks
If you want to seat four comfortably, look at the Ford Mustang convertible. If you just want a cute drop-top to drive and be happy with, look at the hardtop version of the Mazda Mx5 Miata.
Is it true that the new CTS still has a cramped back seat even though the new model is longer the old?
don't knoww where that comes from. I'm only 5<6", but I had no problem fitting in the rear seat of the new CTS, none at all.
We have a 2003 Mazda that we have kept maintained and in good condition (well the body is not as pretty as it once was). It continually needs repairs here and there, nothing too extensive, and our mileage is about 110k. We are planning for a baby. Putting finances aside, is it crucial to get a new car for the baby for safety reasons?
Yes, I think so. But there is a smart way of doing this. Have your local authorities, fire or police, check the current safety anchors (child safety seat anchors) in oyur current car. Follow their advice. Have overall safety check done by a technician. Lastly, check with The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Safety Administration for crash ratings on your vehicle.
Warren/ Lou Ann, enjoy the conversations each week. I guess since it is official that Chevy is going to release the Diesel Cruze (long overdue) is it possible to put a bug in their ear about the Colorado/Canyon (or whatever name it is going to be called) to sell them with diesels. Is it also possible that they would put the diesel in the Buick Verrano? My wife brought a 2011 Cruze which is nice but, the Verrano is even nicer.
That bug isn't going to fly in the Colorado/Canyon. But it possibly could wing it in the Verano. It seems that South America and Asia are the target markets for advanced small trucks.
hi Warren--do you still love your Mazda5? We're a one car family that is growing and it seems like a great compromise for increased space without venturing into SUV/minivan territory. thanks!
Good morning, Lou Ann, Warren, and Michael. Mr. Austin: Are any Chinese automakers close to developing a car that meets the tough safety and emission standards in North America? If so, how many years away? Garey in Ottawa
Hey Garey,
Thanks for joining the chat. Micheal (Austin) is laughing, "electric cars don't have emissions"so they all pass.
However, you still need EPA range testing and the BYD e6 is certified. The e6 is in the US already for fleet sales. You can go to www.byd.com to see the car.
The Qin is slated to come to America in 2014. oops, that's the United States not America. (for my Canadian friends who are part of North America :)
or maybe how to avoid and idle mechanic? LOL 1. My car's RPMs go up and down when idling. What's that about? 2. Tips for finding a great, honest, reasonable mechanic? I live outside the DC area -- about 3 hours south. I own a 1991 Honda Accord in great shape. Found one mechanic who used to work for Honda, but he only wants to use brand new parts and replaces everything when the book says....I am of the mindset 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' -- of course taking reason into account and replacing parts which are wearing. But often he's made a claim about something needing repair ASAP and I ignore it and am fine.
Check with Washington Consumers Checkbook for ratings on local auto shops. Best advice I can offer.
Please help me decide what to do. I'm a single father of infant twins. We've outgrown our large sedan because of all the gear that needs to acccompany us on trips, plus extra space is needed so relatives can ride with us. I'm looking at the GMC Acadia Denali, but the Honda Odyssey is more practical. I'm in my late 40s and concerned about looking like a nerd in the minivan. Help!
Congrats, Single Pop, on shouldering your responsibilities as a single pop. Either the Denali or Acadadia would more than suit your transportation needs. But if you want to save money for expenses to come--college and that sort of thing--take a good look at the less expensive, well-made Kia Sorento.
Where would you rank these 3?
Two of them are crossovers, the Rav4 and Cr-V. I'd put the CR-V first because of overall craftsmanship and design. And I wouldn't give a pahooty about the fact that it only, I think, comes with four cylinders. Four cylinders are all that is needed.
I'd get the Ouback if I were more interested in a wagon.
The Mazda 5 is the "microvan", right? How does it compare to the Prius V?
The Mazda 5 essentially is a small van, yes. But for getting around the city, I prefer the Prius V, which gets its best mileage in city traffic. It alsso offers more utility for those of us who routinely haul stuff.
seems like you missed " I live outside the DC area -- about 3 hours south." Consumer Checkbook won't help.
