The Car Doc on ‘reduced engine power’ lights, AWD repairs and more
Q. I have a 2008 Buick and from time to time the “reduced engine power’’ warning lights up on the dash. The problem is that whenever I bring it in to the repair shop the light is usually out. Do you have any ideas what the problem could be?
A. The reduced engine power mode is usually indicated when there is an issue with the electronic throttle control system. The system will still use accelerator input but will limit how much response there will be. It has been my experience that the issue is electrical and usually caused by a faulty connection at the under hood fuse box. A technician will need to check for computer codes and electrical reading before making any actual repairs.
Q. My 2009 Buick Lucerne has had one major problem after another, so it is time to get a new car. The Buick seats are great for my tricky back, but the car has been so unreliable that I’m reluctant to get another Buick. Can you recommend a moderately priced car with similar seats, a wide steering wheel, and good reliability? So far I have tried Toyota and Ford, whose small steering wheels are hard on my shoulders, and Subaru, whose seats are hard on my back.
A.The newer Buicks and all General Motors vehicles have been pretty reliable lately and based on my experience I wouldn’t hesitate to look at another General Motors Car. From General Motors I would take a look at the Chevrolet Impala, it is a big comfortable car. Regarding the small steering wheel of the Ford and Toyota, if you are using the tradition 10 and 2 steering method (numbers on the face of a clock) move your hands to the 9 and 3 position. This newer style position is safer, more comfortable and offers better control.
Q. I love my 2008 Audi A4 with all-wheel-drive but it has been getting expensive to repair lately. The latest issue is what I have been told is a rear wheel bearing issue. The repair shop said I could wait to repair the problem until the noise gets loud. Lately the car is starting to sound like it has truck tires on it. How much do you think it would cost to repair?
A. This is not an inexpensive repair. The wheel bearings are about $170 each and it will take about five hours to complete the repair.
Q. I’m in the market for a new car and I have narrowed my choices down to three. The cars I’m looking at are the Mercedes CLS, Audi A7 and the Jaguar XF. Is there one you like better than the other, they all seem like nice cars.
A. The Jaguar XF has been redesigned for 2016 and is lighter, quicker and now has a comfortable back seat. The V-6 engine produces up to 380 horsepower depending on trim levels and all-wheel-drive is available. The XF handles remarkably well for a big car and fuel economy is also quite good at about 25 miles per gallon. I would put the handling of the XF about equal to that of the A7 with a slightly more comfortable ride. The A7 is overall a very nice car with maybe a slightly more pleasing style. I found some other the major control slightly more intuitive in the A7 than the XF. The CLS is one of the first of the four-door couple designs and is aging quite well, but does suffer from limited headroom for rear seat passengers. Overall any one of these vehicles are great cars. If I had to rate them, the A7 and the XF are virtual a tie with the CLS a click below.
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