Q: I am curious what you think about the new Audi A6 2.0T. I finally saw one this past Saturday quite some time after its introduction. That particular car was the A6 2.0T Quattro if I read the trunk model tag descriptor right, but I think the resulting weight might be too much for the engine. I do like the slightly lesser powered 2.0T engine in the FWD VW CC, though. It has impressive acceleration there. So, what say you about the engine in the A6 As compared to the CC and even the A4 Quattro---too underpowered in the A6?
Jim Gordon
Jim, thanks for the question. I haven't had the chance to drive the new A6 yet. However, you are right, that's a fairly heavy car (though all midsize luxury sedans are what I would consider a little portly). As is always the case, I think it would be best for you to try before you buy. The 2.0T A6 is going to be offer the best fuel economy in the class, but might not have the muscle you are expecting.
Q: Paul,
Tire Sealant kit is Standard on the Cadillac SRX. This is on the Cadillac website I don't think today's caller knew where to look for it. Probably something that the dealer salesman should include when 'delivering' the vehicle. Terry
Terry
Terry, You are right. A number of luxury and sport vehicles come with tire-sealant kits rather than spare tires. Yes, they do save the manufacturer money, but they save weight and space. Two things that benefit the customer. In most cases, you can pay a little extra to get a spare tire instead of the kit, although in a few cases you cannot. Run-flat tires are also an option, but those tend to be expensive and are sometimes difficult to replace.
Q: Here is an idea. Let's save the left lane for passing. We have plenty of money to build an expressway, only to dedicate 30% of it to people who think they have to go faster than me. (If you want to be ahead of me, you should have started earlier.) If "speed differential kills", why are you advocating for impatient, lane darting speeders. Yes, I am the one in the left lane that you are swearing and gesturing and flashing at, expecting that I WILL CHANGE LANES FOR YOU and squeeze in between 2 huge trucks, so you can dart ahead of me and do the same thing to the next guy. Your time is not more important than my time. Your life is not more important than my life. Stay 6 car lenghths behind me, adjust your attitude, and be grateful that traffic is moving. (Even my siblings hate me for this attitude, but I am not changing my mind.)
Susan Kapustka
Susan, you have the right to drive in any lane you wish as long as you maintain a safe speed. I have no argument against that. However, I am sure you have seen signs on the highways that instruct slower traffic to keep right. However, I don't think "squatting" in the left lane causes traffic backups. What causes traffic backups are inattentive drivers. Studies have shown that just one vehicle that follows too closely and constantly speeds up and slows down and steps on the brakes are the main contributing factor to traffic backups--after congestion, of course.
Q: I drive a Saab 9.5 Aero wagon. I want another wagon with the equivalent engine power and accel I have now with the high output turbo. I carry stuff on the roof and do not want the height of an SUV or most crossovers. Besides the Volvo, what else is out there.
Terry
You are in luck, there are LOTS of choices today. But you might need to expand your vocabulary a bit. Today, manufacturers call wagons crossovers. Here are some luxury crossovers, which are really just tall wagons, that fit the bill. Acura ZDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti EX, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Volvo XC60. There are also wagon versions of the Acura TSX, Cadillac CTS and BMW 5-Series that you might consider.
Q: I own a 2008 acadia with 46,000 miles. trans had to be rebuilt last year and was covered under the moter train extended warrenty.I know several people had the same thing happen and on line it seems to be a repete problem.With 4000 miles left in the warrenty do you think i should get rid of the car before the trans goes out again and the bill is on me. do you know if this problem remains with the 2012 acadia Realy like the car and would trade up with a extended warrenty if you thought it was a good plan
thanks
garry
garry hine
I checked a few repair forums and also with a technician at a Chevy dealer (which sells the similar Traverse). It doesn't seem that transmission problems are significantly higher with that model than other vehicles. I'd say it is more likely there was a defect in one of the parts rather than a design fault. That said, GM has made no significant changes to the transmission since the vehicle was introduced, so if you are wary, I'd say get a new vehicle or buy a factory-backed extended warranty.
Q: Paul,2011 BMW X5 navigation system awful. got lost many times, local, intra state and Canada.Previously had 2010 X5 had to update nav at$200 then worked well.Paid much for xtra nav,HELP. Love your show
Tony
With in-vehicle navigation systems you are at the mercy of the data in the map. You can purchase updates, as you mention, but even that doesn't always solve the problem. I have found that the newest systems are operated by SD cards and can be updated at least once for free. How that helps you now, I have no idea, but you could also try using the navigation system on your smart phone.
Q: Hi Paul.
Due to some peripheral vision issues, I must purchase a car with blind spot monitoring.
I am looking at either a GM, Toyota, Hoanda or Hyundai.
I am having problems finding out which models in any /all of these companies have the blind spot monitoring.
Can you please help me?
Thanks much,
Joan Zivich
Joan Zivich
Just about any luxury vehicle is available with blind-spot monitoring, but one manufacturer leads the way in this field -- Infiniti. Just drove the JX and it have enough electronic "helpers" to practically drive itself. I'd take a trip to your local Infiniti dealer.
Q: I drive a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix and enjoy the car. Its time to replace this car with something new. My husband and I have narrowed it down to the Camry XLE hybrid and the Passat TDI. The cost is very close and I like them both. I drive about 10,000 miles a year with 70% city driving and will keep the car about 8-10 years. Leaning towards the VW but is afraid of the costs after the warranty. Any advise?
Cindy
Cindy Vander Naald
As a rule, hybrids are more efficient in city driving and diesel-powered vehicles are more efficient on the highway. So I would suggest the Camry over the Passat in this case. That will give you your best return on investment. But honestly, I love both of those vehicles.
Q: I'm considering buying a Nissan Altima, 4 dr sedan, 2007 to 2011. I would prefer the 6 cyl but I'm finding they are very limited. Definately want the SL trim package. Is the 4 cyl 2.5L adequate for this car or if I settle for it will I soon wish I had the 6? I am not a hot rod driver - 58. But want adequate performance on the highway. Thanks for the help! Wayne
Wayne Sisk
Wayne, thanks for listening. I'd have to say that Altima offers one of the peppier four-cylinder engines in the class. That said, fuel economy in the four-pot Altima isn't as good as in four-cylinder models from Chevy, Ford, Honda and Toyota. Still it's better than any V6 midsize car. Altima V6 is a hot rod. I'd say if you drive a four-cylinder Altima, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Q: Paul: Do you know, or can you find out the approx. number of Chevy Volt's on the steets in the greater Chicago area? Thanks.
Bill Gaul
William M. Gaul
Bill, thanks for listening. I asked Chevrolet and they declined to give a specific number of Volts sold in the Chicago market. That's unfortunate because a couple of the dealers I talked to said Volt sales were "brisk," though I am not sure what that means.