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Real
Wheels
Hosted by Warren Brown
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001; 4 p.m. EDT
Warren Brown has been covering the automobile industry for The
Washington Post since 1982. Brown, who joined the newspaper in 1976, has
what many people think is a particularly cool job: He gets to test drive
all manner of cars, from top-of-the-line Mercedes sedans and the newest
sports cars to Volkswagen Beetles and SUVs. His auto reviews are
lively, detailed accounts of a car's good and bad points, addressing
everything from a car's highway performance to its "head-turning" factor
and sound system.
Warren is online Mondays at 11 a.m. EDT to answer your
questions on every aspect of the automotive industry, from buying your
dream car to the future of the internal combustion engine.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for
guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Warren Brown: Good afternoon! Welcome to the delayed edition of Real Wheels. Lots of poking and probing by doctors rearranged schedule. We'll go through this for a while. No problem. The show will roll. The floor is open for discussion.
San Francisco, Calif.:
Warren, I test drove the Mazda Protege5 and really liked it. Very peppy, comes with a manual (my preference), comfortable, and nice size storage area in the back. The minus are that it's a tad low to the ground and noisy with the sunroof popped open even a little bit. Do you have any information as to whether Mazda is going to address some of these issues and whether Honda is going to be coming out with a competing model? Thanks
Warren Brown: Dear San Francisco:
Mazda is coming out with a competitive model of the Civic, I think for 2003. Keep in mind that this generation of econo car has a hidden agenda. The aim is to please the tuner crowd, the mostly kids who are willing to spend $5,000 or more to turn their Protege5s, Lancers, WRXs, and Civics into weekend racers. Thus the low ground clearance and some other discomforts. Comments welcome.
Washington, D.C.:
Good afternoon. I'm looking to buy a new car within the next few months and I was hoping you could answer a few questions for me. first, I presently have a 1998 toyota corolla with about 27,000 miles,in your opinion do you think it would be best to trade it in or sell it on my own? I'm thinking about getting a Honda civic or Nissan altima which would you suggest and why?
Thanks
Warren Brown: Dear Washington:
First, please tell me why you are getting rid of what appears to be a perfectly good Corolla that, apparently, isn't driven very much?
Olney, Md.:
Hi, Warren. Have you had a chance to check out the Buick Rendezvous? Pretty sharp looking at least. Any updates on the VW Microbus?
Warren Brown: Dear Olney:
I'm driving it, now.
First impressions:
. Well-styled inside and out. That's a surprise, considering that it's based on the same platform as the Pontiac Aztek.
. It's bigger than the rival Highlander/Lexus RX300. Has more cargo space and passenger room.
. Needs a better engine than the 3.4-liter V6 that no powers it. The Rendezvous is a bit weighty for that one.
. Good handling. Good braking in traffic. There is a tendency to roll back when idling on hills.
Arlington, Va.:
Love your article and the chats. I hope you are well.
Have narrowed down my choice of a new car to the VW Passat or the New Nissan Altima. Would probably go with the 4 cylinder on either. Any insight or suggestions in helping me decide between the two?
Thanks
Warren Brown: Dear Arlington:
I'd take the nicely styled Nissan Altima with the V6 and the much, much better service infratstucture (comppared with the current service network at VW) and be perfectly happy.
Neither four-banger was terribly impressive.
Soouthern Maryland:
I am currently on the waiting list for the Prius, but I am intrigued by the new Honda Civic hybrid due out this spring. Anything (gosip/news/rumors) about the Civic?
Also, do you know if Honda will sell the Civic off the lot ala the Insight or will they resort to Toyota's
you-buy-it-then-we-build-it scheme that keeps us waiting for 6 months?
Warren Brown: Dear Southern Maryland:
No worthy word yet on the new Civic Hybrid except that, obviously, it will be sedigned to carry at least four people and their luggage.
Also, Toyota isn't playing games with its Prius. It's a high-demand, complicated-to-produce vehicle sold primarily in Japan and other markets where fuel-efficiency is appreciated.
The U.S. isn't one of those. But, yes, the new Civic will be sold from the showroom.
Potomac Falls, Va.:
Hey Warren,
I have a dilemma on my hands. Deciding between the ES300 and I35 (both ’02 editions). I loved both cars but the I35 has all the bells and whistles without the heavy price tag (es300 is about $3 - 4k more). I also looked at the TL Type S but was not impressed with the overall finish and luxury feel of the car. Between, the ES and I35, which would you choose?
Thanks for your help and keep up the great work!
Warren Brown: Dear Potomac Falls:
The ES300 is not worth $3K-$4K more than the I35. Go with Nissan on this one.
Alexandria, Va.:
Mr. Brown,
I love your chats! Very imformitive. I would love your opinion on something. I ordered a 2002 C230 Mercedes from a local dealership in early September. They do not expect delivery until early December. Isn't this an unusually long wait for a car that is not custom? Shouldn't they have been expecting a huge demand on this highly affordable base model? Just wondering your thoughts.
Warren Brown: Dear Alexandria:
After 19 years of covering the auto industry, I've concludeded that most manufacturers seldom get the demand/production equation right. Sometimes they deliberately keep volume low. Others, they overproduce one day to have fire sales another.
Your ordered C230 is all the rage in Europe, and increasingly in Japan and other Asian markets. The U.S. is DaimlerChrysler's single largest market in terms of dollar sales. But there is a tendency to serve the home crowd first.
Your wait on this one is not unusually long.
Washington, D.C.:
Warren.
Just getting ready to start test driving some vehicles, but I like what i read and see in the Audi A4. Looking at 2001s priced around 30k. I like the safety of the quattro but i'm leaning toward the 1.8T engine. What are your thoughts on the A4 and are there other cars you would recommend I drive. (I like the MB 230, but I think its just out of my price range being that I want a CD player and some other extras).
Warren Brown: Dear Washington:
The A$ consistently has been among my five-star cars, especially the new A4 with the continuously valuable transmission (produced for 2002). You'll have to work out your lust for extras. Star with the idea that if it doen't help the car move, delete.
Alexandria, Va.:
Warren, having recently completed a degree, I am eligible for manufacturer rebates from various car companies. Should I present this information during sales negotiation or after reaching an agreement on the price of the car?
Warren Brown: Dear Alexandria:
Never parade your "newbie" status in a sales negotiation. It's an invitation to get, well, messed with.
First, researh the product and incentives/discounts. Nowadays, inventives are plentiful. Often, one incentive offsets another. Check.
Washington, D.C.:
Although my Corolla only has 27,000 miles it has been hit numerous times,the window has been broken and my mirror has been knocked off. I've had to put it in the shop more times than I can remember,and it's only 3 years old. I just feel I need something else.
Warren Brown: Dear Washington:
A tank?
Arlington, Va.:
Good afternoon,
Saw a WRX in your driveway, what is your initial impression of it?
Warren Brown: Dear Arlington:
It's a harsh little car, tinny and rather ugly. But it's an absolute wonder on the road_fast as all get-out, with really great handling. Handling does not diminish in wet weather, thanks to fat tires and all-wheel-drive. If you can live with the Spartan interior and less-than-glamorous body. it's yours.
Bethesda, Md.:
re. the tuner crowd.
I have my doubts that car companies are intentionally building cars that have features that most buyers (previous poster regarding the Protege wagon) do not like in order to please the relatively small aftermarket tuner community. I realize it's a big market, but there's got to be 50 people who buy a car and do not modify it for every one who does.
Warren Brown: Dear Bethesda:
You are right. I don't have the exact numbers with me; but I'm willing to bet that 80 percent of the people who buy say, a new Protege5 or Lancer, aren't doing the Saturday race thing. But the oddity is that the race-zippy image helps to attract them to the cars. The car companies aren't losing on this one.
Oakton, Va.:
Hi, Warren. You can tell San Francisco that Honda will introduce a new 3-door Civic SI hatchback (5-speed only) in the spring. It will compete with the Protege5 and have 20 more horsepower (160 vs 140), but at higher RPM. It has an oddly-shaped shift lever that protrudes out of the lower dash, somewhat like on the Lexus RX300 and Toyota Highlander.
Warren Brown: Dear Oakton:
Thank you. That's right, the SI. So, that means it will come out as a 2003 model?
Davidson, N.C.:
Dear Warren:
I just came back from an auto body shop, where I'd taken my nearly new (month old) Toyota Highlander because there was a spot on the front bumper where the paint was chipped. The guy there suggested I take it back to the dealer since it did not appear that the bumper had been hit, but that the paint hadn't been...I think he said "binded" well. He showed me how he could peel it with a fingernail. My question--can/does this happen often/ever to new cars? Will the Toyota dealer give me a hard time about the repair?
Warren Brown: Dear Davidson:
Oh, yes. It happens. It seldom happens with Toyota. Does anyone else have a similar complaint?
Oakton, Va.:
Have you had a chance to see the upcoming Mercury Marauder? (the spiritual sucessor to the Impala SS) GM really blew it in 1996 by dropping the full-size rear-drive lineup, although the huge demand for trucks and SUV's, which took over the Arlington, TX plant, justified it to some extent. By doing this, GM also gave up the police market to the Crown Vic. Ford has one-upped them there, and also with the new full-size full frame rear-drive Marauder with the Cobra 300 HP V8. This car, I think, is going to sell like hotcakes next year....along with the new Mini at the other end of the size spectrum.
Warren Brown: I've seen it, touched it, sat in it, but haven't driven the Mercury Marauder. It should be a lot of fun. (Looks rather ordinary, though, doesn't it?)
Guess what? GM is rethinking its dumping of big rear-wheel-drive platforms. Credit the move to continued strong sales of the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis.
Reston, Va.:
Regarding size, how compatible are the microcars (A-Class, Smart) compare to the Insight and Prius, and can we get the micros near future? Thanks.
Warren Brown: Dear Reston:
The microcars are smaller. Look at what's on display at the current Tokyo Auto Show. Itty-bitty cars such as the Daihatsu Muse, the FF Ultra Minivan and the aptly named Honda Bulldog. Cute little cars. Wish they were sold here.
Myersville, Md.:
Hi, I am looking to buy a pre-owned Ford Taurus SES (2000 or 2001) sometime in the next 6 months or so. I have heard mixed reviews from friends who drive this car and was wondering what your thoughts are. Do you have any comparable alternatives? Thank you.
Warren Brown: Dear Myersville:
The taurus has had a checkered quality history, with most of the dark spots occurring 1990-1995. Later model Taurus cars/wagons have been fine. Many are acrruing high miles. You should be okay. Chaeck with Enterprise Renta-A-Car, CarMax, or a certified used-car Ford dealer.
Bethesda, Md.:
Warren,
How could you be "unimpressed" with the 4 cylinder engines of the Passat and new Altima? They're 170hp turbo and 175hp respectively. How would you describe your feelings about the much less powerful 4 cylinder Camry, Saturn L200, Accord, etc. models? Just found that description suprising.
Warren Brown: Dear Bethesda:
Easily. I like the V6s, especially the smoothness of them, more than I like the four-bangers. That's not by any means saying that the four-bangers are bad. It's simply saying that I was unimpressed by their poerformance (doubly unimpressed by the 2002 Camry 4). Why are you surprised?
Vienna, Va.:
Hi, guys. To the Highlander owner with the paint woes on the bumper, this is most likely a case of damage enroute from the factory -- or birds giving it a good dose of acidic you-know-what, and nobody noticing it and cleaning it off in time or caring. Toyota paint jobs are normally flawless but damage from conditions once they leave the factory cannot always be prevented. It could also have happened on a test-drive by a person who did not honestly report it, a kid riding by with a bicycle, or anyone of a number of things. On a month-old car, your insurance company shouldn't have any problem covering a bumper repaint (depending on the deductible). This could be written up as a comprehensive claim, which by law cannot increase your rates.
Warren Brown: Dear Vienna:
Thanks for that note.
Baltimore, Md.:
Warren,
If you could pick any convertible to take on a springtime cross-country trip, what would it be? I guees you'll say Mercedes, but I'm a little concerned about parking out in front of various motor lodges in a car that says "rob me." I'm looking for the perfect blend of fun, reliability and (I guess) humility.
Warren Brown: Dear Baltimore:
I'd take a Jaguar XK8 and stay at only the best motels, those with guarded garages.
Washington, D.C.:
So, the new BMW 7 series has this great idea. When you stop at a red light, you can pick your foot off the brake and the car won't move until you hit the accelerator. Great idea! Unfortunatly, it comes with a $70k car. What are the chances of other companies "stealing" this idea and making it for cars that cost a lot less? I guess this goes with all new technologies. Thanks!
Michael
Warren Brown: Yeah, great idea. You can get a better version of the same thing on a $20K honda Insight or Toyota Prius.
Alexandria, Va.:
Dear Warren,
About the miniscule euro-cars, how much do they weigh? I wouldn't want a car that four people could pick up and walk away with. Although that is a great prank for Festiva drivers, not everybody has the best intentions.
-Matt
Warren Brown: Dear Alexandria:
Rougly 2,200 pounds or thereabouts with fluids. Look, they're teeny and fuel efficient. Chain 'em to a pole.
Austin, Texas:
Howdy from Texas, Warren, please tell your Texas wife that an Aggie said hello.
I've been looking at the new Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel 4X4 mondo-truck. Have you heard anything new about whether or not Dodge is going to dump the Cummins engine for the Mercedes engine?
If you were me, would you run out to get one of the "last" Cummins 3500's or would you want to be the first to get one with the Mercedes diesel?
Gig 'em!
Warren Brown: Dear Austin:
DaimlerChrysler, Dodge;s corporate parent, is making several big engine changes in the near future. My hunch is that the company will scuttle Cummins and use its own engines. It all depends on how the production-cost numbers work out.
I wouldn't rush out and buy a Cummins. Rushing into anything that takes money form your pocket is a bad idea.
NW Washington, D.C.:
Been car searching and narrowed down to two cars -- both GM -- you've lauded them as very well built. Which would you recommend, based on your experience -- Alero or Grand Am?
By the way, zero financing put me in the market, otherwise I'd be on the sideline.
Thanks
Warren Brown: Dear NW DC:
The Grand Am has more attitude. I'd go there.
Washington, D.C.:
Hi Warren! My dad has always wanted a Corvette, but some inner ascetism has kept him from buying one. Even though he could pay cash for the car, I've convinced him that the interest free offers are too good to pass up and that now's the time to buy his Chevy. He says he'll buy one if he can get it at invoice price (he'll let the dealer have the holdback). What are the chances this will happen? I got my Volvo below invoice but it's a different kind of car and it was on the lot for a few months. Thanks!
Warren Brown: Dear Washington:
Turns out that 0-percent financing is moving Corvettes fast! I'd go for the 0 percent and the dealer holdback. You don't bring water to fire sales.
Silver Spring, Md.:
Why is it that so many small cars have such high road, tire, and wind noise? Is it simply a case of "low price, low sound insulation", or the fact that smaller bodies cannot hold as much insulation, or smaller suspensions cannot dissipate as much noise and vibration? The Lexus IS300 proves that a small car (which it is, the size of a Civic) can ride as whisper-quiet as any Caddy or Lincoln, but of course, the average small car doesn't cost 30K like an IS.
Warren Brown: Dear Silver Sping:
Shorter wheelbases, light suspensions, weight-constrained sound insulation (mileage often is more important than interior quiet) all contribute to louder noise levels in small cars.
Hexk, I found the Lexus IS300 a bit noisy, too.
San Diego, Calif.:
Hello, Warren. Hope you are doing OK. Question: is there any non-Ford, GM, or Chrysler car out there that beats the Acura 3.2TL or quality, cost, or value-for-the money? Thanks.
Warren Brown: Dear San Diego:
The Buick Regal beats Acura on value for dollar, competes with it quite well on ride and hndling, falls behind a bit on overall fit-and-finish; and it is equal to or better than the 3.2 TL on reliability. But you don't want a Regal, do you?
Silver Spring, Md.:
Warren, can I respecfully suggest that the shopper torn between the ES300 and the I35 look first at the all-new ES300 just coming out now? It is a true luxury car now and not just a jazzed-up Camry. It is now a true little brother to the LS430. The I35, yes, is a nice car, with excellent fit-and-finish, but it is really a Maxima with a little more trim and sound insulation.
Warren Brown: Dear Silver Spring:
So ordered. So done.
Silver Spring, Md.:
Warren, on your answer to the caller to buy a Grand Am because of more "attitude" I agree with you, but how about the fact that GM is putting 5 yr/60K warranties on new Olds products and any new Olds is likely to sell for a steep discount? I think maybe the Alero is the car for the smart buyer. Even when Olds folds (no pun intended) other GM dealers will do warranty work, if needed.
Warren Brown: Dear Silver Spring:
You're right on that one, financially. I was referring more to the poery of car ownership.
Oak Hill, Va.:
Why are some cars going to the red/orange interior and dasboard lights? After nearly 40 years of driving it does take some adjusting.
Warren Brown: Dear Oak Hill:
An industry argument is that those colors serve the eyes better at night.
SUV-seeker:
Hi Warren,
Now that my 1997 Saturn SW-2 is almost paid for I'm in the market for an SUV in the $19-20,000 range and I'd like your insight on the ones I'm looking at (reliability, frequency of repair): Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Jeep Liberty, Hyundai Santa Fe, Suzuki Grand Vitara, and the Subaru Forester and Outback wagon.
I'll also take a look at the Saturn VUE, but to be honest, after having my SW-2 towed to the shop twice in two years I'm a lot less sanguine about the prospect of ever owning another Saturn.
I want a 4x4 with manual transmission, not for off-roading, but for the safety in foul weather and for the comfort of getting in and out of a seat not so low to the ground.
Thanks, Jeff
Warren Brown: Dear SUVer:
Go with the Jeep Liberty, or the Santa Fe. Comparison shop this one. Your other possibilities are good. But I think you'll be surprised by what the Liberty and Santa Fe have to offer, value for dollar.
Warren Brown: Okay good folks. Time to let my WPNI editors go home. Have a good evening, everybody.
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