Are smaller SUVs only for millennials?
Q. I have seen some new small SUVs, some that I like are the Chevrolet Trax, the Jeep Renegade and Honda HR-V. I see these cars in commercials and the buyers are in their twenties and thirties. What do you think of a vehicle of this type for someone in their early sixties?
A. My answer is buy the vehicle you like, regardless who it is marketed to. I recently drove the Chevy Trax and was impressed. The fuel economy was quite good, the ride comfortable with an overall nimble feel. The interior was roomy and could accommodate four adults. There was decent cargo capacity that could be greatly expanded by flipping and folding the second row seating. The Trax small size allowed for easy parking and maneuverability around crowded city streets. The Trax was easy to get in and out of, but the seats got mixed reviews I found them to be reasonably comfortable my wife hated them and found them to be too short and generally lacking support. The other vehicle in that category that I drove recently was the Honda HR-V. The HR-V like the Chevy was also very versatile, returned great fuel economy and handled surprising well. I would rate the Honda HR-V as slightly better than the Chevy Trax. I haven’t driven the Jeep Renegade yet but all reports are favorable.
Q. My question concerns a 1994 Oldsmobile Sierra that we own and drive three months a year down in Mount Dora, Florida. The car sits in a very hot garage in the summer months, so we are concerned about tire dry rot. We bought the car used in excellent condition and it drives really well and is comfortable. The front tires were purchased seven years ago, and the back tires must be over nine years old if not older. We do not travel long distances, only about 10 or 15 miles every other day. The tires look okay but we are concerned about possible blowouts, what should we do?
A. The service life of a tire is not based on chronological age but more of how the tire it treated. I have seen tires fail in as little as a couple of years and some last more than 20 years and still are completely serviceable. If this were my car I would have a trusted repair shop take a look at the tires and make a recommendation based on what they observe about the condition of the tires.
Q. I have an Acura TL, recently we were lost and needed to use the factory installed GPS. Well it was dead wrong and said we were at our destination, a major casino, and we were 20 minutes away. Do I trust the old “girl’’ anymore? We were on established roads, so I am concerned.
A. Since you were on major roads, the problem isn’t an issue with outdated map software. At this point I would go back to the dealer to see if the GPS can be reprogrammed and calibrated. The problem could also be the GPS antenna or even the dash unit itself.
Q. I read about how much you liked the diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee. Since diesel fuel prices have come down I’m very interested in a diesel but I’m looking for a luxury car. I really like the Jaguar XF but want a diesel engine and Jaguar has no plans to bring a diesel engine to the states in the foreseeable future. I am not a hybrid fan, is there a car you can recommend that would give me the style of the Jaguar and the look range of a diesel engine?
A. I recently drove the Audi A7 with the diesel engine. This is certainly one of the most stylish cars on the road, very comfortable to drive and sips fuel for a big car. When I was driving the A7 I saw 40 miles per gallon on the highway and about 30 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving. Performance is also good with the V-6 engine developing well over 400 foot pounds of torque. This translates into a 0-60 time of just under six seconds. I also liked the idea that the A7 is a hatchback which adds to its versatility.
Q. I was working on my Buick Century and broke off one wheel stud on each side of the car. How do I replace the wheel studs?
A. You will need to remove the brake caliper, bracket. and brake rotor. Once out of the way you should be able to drive the broken stud out. Install a replacement stud, and then add enough large washers to draw the stud into the hub. Install the wheel nut with the flat side against the washers Tighten the wheel nut until the wheel stud is fully seated against the hub flange. Then remove the nut, washers and install the brake components. Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts with a torque wrench.
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