Warren Brown
Washington Post columnist
Friday, August 22, 2008
11:00 AM
The Post's Warren Brown will be online Friday August, 22 at 11 a.m. ET to answer your questions about every aspect of the automotive industry.
Warren Brown has covered the car industry for The Washington Post since 1982.
Brown test drives all types of cars, from luxury sedans to the newest minivans and hybrids. His On Wheels auto reviews are lively, detailed accounts of cars' good and bad qualities.
Brown's Car Culture column addresses the social, political and economic trends of the industry.
Subscribe to the Real Wheels RSS Feed.
The transcript follows.
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washingtonpost.com: Sorry to change things up, but Warren's stuck in traffic and won't be able to join us until noon.
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Fairfax, Va.: A few weeks ago I was walking through the 4-level parking garage where I work in PG County, perusing the cars as I walked by and something caught my eye. I counted ten foreign makes in a row before I saw a domestic. I decided to make a count of all the vehicles on the second floor. Out of 110 vehicles, 80 were foreign brands and 30 were domestic. Of the 30 domestics, 21 were SUVs of various sizes. Not scientific, but interesting nonetheless.
Warren Brown: Good afternoon, Fairfax. Empirical observation sometimes is instructive. What you saw is statistically varifiable. According to the latest Polk research numbers, an estimated 65 percent of the registered vehicles in the Washington Metropolitan area are foreign makes. In that way, the Washington area is much like the West Coast where domestic makes, when they exist, tend to be trucks and SUVs. No wonder, until this year, light trucks were about 52 percent of the U.S. market. Today, they are about 49 percent.
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Seeking new car: Warren -- I'm sorry you got stuck in traffic, but good for me since I thought I missed your chat. I am buying a new car. I've narrowed it down to two -- Toyota Matrix and Mazda3. I've read your take on the Matrix and your fine associate Ria's take that its not that comfortable on the long drive. Like you, I also take frequent trips to N.Y. But I do like it anyway. But my research shows the Mazda3 to be a better all around vehicle. I've gotten a pre-approved loan and researched the value of my trade-in. I think I'm all set. I've contacted dealers over the internet and the 2008 Mazda3 is in short supply. One said there were none left but the 2009's are coming in two weeks. First, is that true? Second I have read nothing on the 2009, are there any major changes? Should I keep looking for a 2008 thinking it will be a better deal? I need your great advice.
Warren Brown: This one's easy. Get the Mazda3. I promise you'll be happy with that one.
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Washington, D.C.: Hi Warren. My husband and I are expecting our first child this fall and we think for practical purposes, we finally need to break down and buy a second car. We already have a 06 Escape that will be our primary car. We're just looking for a car to get my husband to and from work (about five city miles) and, on occasion, pick up the baby.
We really don't want to spend more than $4,000. What is the best used sedan for the money? Is it worth it to buy a Honda with 150K miles on it or are we better off looking for a Sentra or Altima with less miles? Thanks!
Warren Brown: Good afternoon, D.C. First, congratulations on the expected arrival of your first child. There's nothing like growing older, as I'm doing, and being loved, supported and comforted by children who have been reared well.
Second, forget the second car. You don't need it. Instead, take out a membership in Zip car, which will allow you to rent that second car, on an as needed basis, for as little as an hour if need be, at a very reasonable price. Zipcar beats paying for a second car, especially in the Washington metropolitan area, almost every time.
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Natick, Mass.: I drive my cars till the very end and I'm looking to buy my next vehicle. It needs to accommodate four adults and two children. Comfort and convenience matter the most -- Odyssey or Flex?
Warren Brown: Hello, Mass.: Fuel consumption is about the same, approx 24 miles highway and 20 or so in the city. But the Flex has more utility than the Odyssey and is a lot more fun to drive. With both the Odyssey and the Flex, however, you need to be wary of costly options. That said, I'd go with the Flex.
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Fortaleza, Brazil: Several weeks ago you responded to my question about the Ford Fusion, giving it high marks. It's still our most likely purchase, but I wonder if you have heard anything about the Citroen C4 Pallas (made in Argentina) or the Peugeot 407. Our neighbors have a C4 and quite like it, but the Fusion is much more widely sold here to date. Thanks!
Warren Brown: That Citroen C4 is a very nice car. The Peugeot 407? I don't know. I haven't driven that one. But the C4 moves nicely. Moreover, it makes good sense for families...a decent amount of utility in that one. I'm trying to remember if it's the C4 or another Citroen model I drove in France that has an electro-mechanical start-stop system that reduces fuel use at idle. Can't remember. But if that system is on the C4, it beats the Fusion.
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Seeking new car: Is the 2009 Mazda3 any different from the 2008? Should I search for a 2008 or just wait for the 2009? Thanks again.
Warren Brown: Go for the 2008. But don't look for price breaks. Mazda is selling every Mazda3 it can build; and the company can't build them fast enough. Demand is so great, you might wind up having to get a 2009 model anyway, which won't be terribly different from the 2008. Mazda doesn't have to do much to sell that car...except, well, finding a way to produce more of them.
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MoCo Md.: I have always wondered why some people back into a parking space and some people go in head first. Backing in would seem to me to be more difficult and more likely to lead to a dent. I see backing in more often in the D.C. area. Why is that?
washingtonpost.com: I always thought they were showing off.
Warren Brown: They are not showing off, Md. Backing in makes getting out a lot easier, especially in a crowded parking garage where backing out and into traffic lanes can lead to crashes.
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Lovely Richmond, Va.: I'm a longtime multiple VW owner who has grown increasingly frustrated with the two local dealerships' lack of customer service, from repeated issues with cosmetic item that was included as a fix-it with pre-owned purchase, to courtesy when dealing with a recall. And when I recently inquired about getting a duplicate key for my 03 VW Passat, I was shocked that a basic key -- not the fancy fob with remotes -- was $200! Is there a valid reason for it to cost so much? No cheap spare key just-in-case alternative? Now that VW HQ is local, any suggestions for someone there I could write to who would actually listen and be responsive? I love my car and want to keep being a VW fan but perennial customer service issues are making this historically loyal owner think twice. Thanks for any thoughts or ideas. And eat lunch, Ria (just thought I'd save you some time, Warren). Love your chats!
Warren Brown: Hello, Lovely Richmond:
I have spoken to the VW people about the issue of poor treatment of customers in Mid-Atlantic repair bays. The bad news is that the problem exists. The good news is that the VW people in Herndon are aware of those complaints. They say they are determined to set things aright. I'd recommend writing them a nice letter--with this note attached, if you wish--stating your concerns. Tell them: "This is your chance to prove to Warren that you weren't just shining him on when you said you will take better care of your Mid-Atlantic customers in repair matters."
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Mobile, Ala. AWD: Dear Warren, ZoomZoom quest, you may consider Enterprise Car Sales. They use Mazdas in their rental fleets. 1,000 miles or 7 days to change your mind policy. My mom got her last two vehicles from them.
Warren Brown: Thank you, Mobile.
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Reston, Va.: About the difficulty of getting Mazda3's, isn't the Ford Focus engine the Mazda3 engine?
Warren Brown: Pretty much the same platform, and yes, the same engine.
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La Patera, Calif.: I see GM is going to build the Chevy Cruze here. Have you seen it yet? If so, thoughts?
Warren Brown: It's about time, La Patera, Calif. Truth is, in addition to the Cruze, Chevy has a number of nifty, global, small-car platforms that would make perfectly good sense in the U.S. market. The Cruze, which I've seen in static presentation, is one of them. Chevy and Ford both make great small cars. But they need to realize that those models are needed in the United States as much as they are needed in Europe, Asia and South America, where they are on sale.
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Frustrated with VW Dealer Non-Service: Warren, why does the poster keep going to the dealer? If you keep getting treated that way, find a good independent shop. There are plenty of them, and they're looking for work.
Warren Brown: Fair enough. Thank you.
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Arlington, Va.: Hi Warren. Really love the chats. I was wondering if you've had a chance to or are planning to do a review of the Saturn Astra. Saturn is hoping this car will save the brand. I think it stands a good chance. I picked one up last week and it's a great little car so far. Very European (we don't need no stinking cup holders) and it reminds me a lot of my old VW Golfs.
Warren Brown: The Saturn Astra to be sold here is the Opel Astra sold in Europe, which is a very good thing. Look, GM designs to market. The Astra essentially was designed for a European market short on gas, short on parking and other garage conveniences, big on taxes, and filled with consumers demanding good small cars. The same GM that has been serving that market is the same GM that went truck crazy in the United States. Welcome, the advent of sanity!
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Annandale, Va.: Re: the "basic key" no doubt that key has an electronic chip/anti-theft device in it. An extra one for my Focus cost $75. That's not $200, but not cheap, either. If it makes the VW owner feel better, the key for my Volvo S40 will cost $300 to replace, so I'd better not lose it.
Warren Brown: Wow, Annandale! Thanks. Hold onto that key.
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Clifton, Va.: Keys are programmed now and cost about $200 for new ones from the dealer. Doesn't matter the make.
Warren Brown: Thanks, Clifton. Here's hoping that you are well.
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Silver Spring, Md.: Personally, I back in for exactly that reason -- if you know how to use your side mirrors, it's awfully easy to keep track of the (non-moving) cars on either side of you so you're directly between them. I trust my ability to not hit others when backing in much more than I trust their ability to not hit me if I'm backing out.
Warren Brown: Thank you, Silver Spring.
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Goss Group: Warren, last week you said it didn't matter whether the owner used premium, which was the required fuel, or 89, adding that the computer would compensate for the difference. I assume you and the Post have good liability insurance to make such recommendations. I'd tell the owner to do what the manual recommends. When exactly did you get your ASE certification?
Warren Brown: Well, Gossie, usual readers of this chat know that I always tell them to follow the owner's manual. But the simple fact is, as the manufacturers will tell you, many cars in which premium is "recommended" does not mean that premium is "required." As for my ASE certification, I have none, which makes me much like any lawyer who would be happy to take and win my case...and, perhaps, counter-sue just for the hell of it.
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McLean, Va.: Hiya Warren A number of the "larger" cars I have owned seem to come with more creature features than their smaller counterparts. What interiors have impressed you the most in smaller, more fuel efficient cars? I seem to remember that you like the interior of the Mini Coopers, but what other smaller cars have tickled your fancy with regard to good stereos, heated seats, dual climate controls, intuitive instrumentation, and a cup holder?
Warren Brown: I just drove one--the 2009 Honda Fit Sport--nice piece of work.
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Reston, Va.: I understand that the U.S. is building better quality cars, but I have a marketing question? Why does the Big3 insist on abandoning model names and keep issuing new ones...of course there are exceptions (Suburban comes to mind), but the U.S. builders change names MUCH more often than their Japanese and European counterparts. Why?
Warren Brown: the simple answer, Reston, is that the Big Three historically have been lousy marketers. Seriously.
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American vs. foreign : Honestly, they have yet to make an American car that isn't utilitarian-looking to me. I've owned two Honda Civics, a VW Beetle and a Nissan 350Z. If American car makers want my money then they need to get more creative with their designs. They all seem to be some variation of a box.
Warren Brown: I disagree. The Buick Lucerne is not a box. It is a very nice car. Looks a lot like Maserati from the front.
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Richmond, Va., again -- VW key: Thanks, Warren -- I will print this and write a very nice letter to accompany it. Also, any thoughts on why a simple replacement key (not fancy remote one) would cost $200? Separate subject: Any chance you and your producers would consider offering a Warbro fan an opportunity to go along with you for part of a test drive sometime? Could be a fun contest for your readers!
Warren Brown: Yes and Yes. We tried doing the ride-along thing last year, but flopped miserably, largely thanks to my medical hassles. I'm much better now. Perhaps, we should try it again. What say you Rocci, Amy, Sakina, Ria?
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Crazy Key Costs: You may want to try a good locksmith, too. The more modern key cutters have access to the chip technology and aren't necessarily subject to "you can't get it anywhere else" dealership pricing.
Warren Brown: Thank you.
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Zipcars: Warren, several people in my office have been sorely disappointed in Zipcars. They report not being able to reserve cars within walking distance of their homes, cars that start with the "check engine" lights on and/or with dirty interiors, and problems with non-Zipcars using the Zipcar-reserved parking spaces. I think it's a nice idea, but still in the developmental stage. I wouldn't want to depend on it. Thanks.
Warren Brown: Thank you. I'll post this in honor of the Post's fairness doctrine.
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Alexandria, Va.: Warren, thanks for the light you shine into my gearhead world. After decades of German car snobbery, I'm carrying a torch for the Caddy CTS. It seems to me very well done, and I think it's the right size for my life over the next 5-7 years. I like the capable 6cyl motor and the illusion of buying American just now. What do you think of Cadillac's medium-term prospects, and what would you suggest I cross-shop against the CTS?
Warren Brown: The more GM North America starts thinking like GM overseas, the better GM will become. The Cadillac CTS is an exmple of that thinking. I look for more of that from GM.
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Rockville, Md.: I saw the GM team on Charlie Rose and it seems that they really do have the next generation battery we have been waiting on and it will be in the Volt -- two years or so from now. I am really expecting a turn around for GM. What do you think?
Warren Brown: That highly robust, affordable lithium-ion, lithium-polymer battery remains a work in progress. But it's work that GM is pusuing earnestly with success in sight. Look, I've been covering this business since 1982. Today's GM is not in any respect the same company it was back then. There is a renewed, passionate commitment to quality product development. That gives me hope.
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Vancouver, Wash.: It's Friday, so it must be Warren! Have you noticed that the new Jaguar XF is manufactured without the aluminum underpinnings of the XK and XJ. Aluminum skins were heavily promoted by Jag not too long ago. What's your take on this?
Warren Brown: Hello, Vancouver.
Costs. Aluminum is tres expensive!
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Arlington, Va.: Backing in to a parking space also makes it easier to get out if you have a small sedan and you are parked between a couple of big SUVs.
Warren Brown: Yep.
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Warren Brown: Thank you, folks. Sorry for that late start. Here's hoping for the best for the person who had the medical emergency in the southbound Baltimore Harbor tunnel this morning.
Thank you all for joining us today. Please come back next week. Thanks for the production, Rocci.
Eat lunch, Ria.
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