Real Wheels: Luxury Cars, On Selling a Truck and more Auto Advice

Washington Post cars columnist Warren Brown was online Friday, October 2, at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the auto industry and offer purchase advice to readers. Brown has covered the cars industry for The Washington Post since 1982.

The transcript follows.

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Luxury Hybrid: Last week, you questioned why one would want a luxe hybrid car. Here's my reasoning. I am going to buy a full-size car, whether it gets good mileage or no. I like big cars that are well soundproofed and are comfortable for me in the driver's seat and for my two tall boys sitting in the back and my tall wife sitting in the passenger seat.

That said, I wouldn't mind getting better mileage than my current full-size car gets, and am willing to explore hybrids if they're any good.

Warren Brown: Okay. But before spending extra money on a luxury hybrid, I'd do something that I think makes much more sense--check out a luxury diesel, either from Mercedes-Benz or Audi--more torque, less complicated, lower overall manufacture-to-grave environmental load, excellent mileage, good interior volume.

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New Carrollton, Md.: Your opinion or views on the value and reliability of the Lexus 2007-2009 LS 460L and LS 600h? Why won't you review Lexus vehicles?

Warren Brown: Hello, New Carrollton:

I have reviewed Lexus vehicles and will continue to do so. But the Lexus 600h makes no sense to me--two drive systems, not appreciably increased fuel economy. I'd rather buy a less-complicated, more efficient, higher torque luxury diesel, something such as the Audi Q7 TDI, which I rate superior to the 600h in all respects. The Lexus LS 460L is a wonderful sedan. But, too me, It lacks the personality of several rivals, particularly those from BMW.

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Alexandria, Va.: Warren,

Love your column!. What your opinion of the SAAB 9-3. Worth a try? Seems to be little more exiting to drive than an Accord-my normal mode. I'm in the market for something new or slightly used.

Warren Brown: The Saab Aero 9-3 with the 2.8-liter V-6 is my favorite, a heck of a lot or performance, and safety, for a relatively good price. But you take a hit on fuel economy in that one. The inline four-cylinder 9-3 probably makes more sense--practicality with panache and good build quality.

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Fairfax, Va.: Hi Warren, I am interested in the Mazda3. What other cars would be similar and not too expensive? Is it still really hard to get a good deal on the Mazda3, since it is so popular? Thanks.

Warren Brown: Hello, Fairfax:

The Mazda 3 is hard to beat, which is why it remains a best-seller on which it is difficult to find discounts...and availability. It shares many components with the Ford Focus. Best match there probably is with the Focus SES. In terms of performance and feel, best match is the Mini Cooper and the VW Jetta Tdi.

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Columbia, Md.: Hi Warren,

I am looking to purchase a new car and I have been looking at the GMC Terrain. I am really impressed by it. What's your take?

Warren Brown: I like it a lot, Columbia. It is built on the same platform as the new (2010) Chevrolet Equinox. But, through the magic of computer-assisted engineering and design, it has a completely different (less wagon[Equinox]; more SUV [Terrain]). You will be impressed by the Terrain's interior, which meets or beats anything in its class. I think ride and handling are comparable with best in class. But I get lots of argument on that score.

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Eastchester, N.Y.: On the Toyota recall; Is Toyota paying the price for selling cars to people who don't like to drive? Just how serious a problem is this acceleration thing, and are Toyota models not on the recall list still subject to the mat problem?

Warren Brown: Hello, Eastchester:

Any defect that results in deaths (four with the "mat problem," I believe) is serious.

Toyota is to be congratulated for moving quickly, decisively to correct it.

Toyota's buyers enjoy driving as much as anyone else, I suppose. But a love of driving should not be compromised by an increased risk of fatal crash. My understanding is that Toyota is paying for the entire fix related to this matter.

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Washington, D.C.: I have a question about selling a car. For several months I have had my 2002 dodge truck for sale on craigslist but, have received absolutely no interest. It's a good car and only selling because I have another car and of the two a truck makes less sense in the city. I took it to CarMax and they offered me $500 for it. Which is ridiculous given the condition and low mileage. Is there another option I should be exploring? I've even thought about donating it but, the few organization I've looked at don't offer tax benefits.

Warren Brown: Ah, Washington. We're still in the midst of a depression in the matter of truck sales, especially in urban areas, where trucks tend to be more of a fashion statement than they are necessities. At the moment, with decreased construction and commercial activity and unstable fuel prices, trucks are quite unfashionable for most urban-area buyers. You are not likely to get much money on that one around here. I'd take out an ad in a San Antonio, Tex. paper and try there.

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Chevy Chase: Here is a line from USA Today on September auto sales... Hyundai U.S. market share rose for the ninth-consecutive month. The compact Elantra and Santa Fe SUV were up 104% and 49%, respectively. The upscale Genesis sedan and coupe were up 61.8% for the month and up 458% year-to-date.

Why are Hyundai sales increasing? I understand the Elantra sales increase (low cost) but why the Sante Fe and Genesis?

Warren Brown: Hello, Chevy Chase.

Hyundai's sales are increasing because Hyundai is offering excellent value--well-built, well- designed vehicles at relatively low prices--when that kind of value is needed.

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Arlington, Mass.: I'm considering buying a used Toyota Prius. Are there any model years or features I should avoid? Are there any particular issues I should be aware of?

Warren Brown: I'd shop the Toyota Prius against the reborn Honda Insight gas-electric. That's the best advice I can give you there. You'd be cheating yourself not to look at the Insight.

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Hybrid again: Yes - the E320 Bluetec intrigues me as well and I've read your positive review of that technology. In fact, unless I hear great things about the new Lexus models, that's where I'm likely headed.

Warren Brown: That's exactly where I would head. I drove that one all over Russia and Kazakhstan problem free. I fell in love with that one--great torque, excellent reliability and build quality, good mileage.

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It can be the little things: We have a 2009 Hyundai Azera and enjoy it but the driver's seat belt twisted in its holder and now my wife can't use the seat belt (thus, can't drive the car) until I get that sorted out. With all of the car's technological advances, one would think they could improve the seat belt devices. Or isn't that seen as a high enough priority to be worth their bother?

Warren Brown: One would think! And, yeah, that belt should be top priority for repair/correction. I'm posting this one for perusal by Hyundai techs. Take your Azera back to your Hyundai dealer. Please let us know what happens. Thank you.

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Clifton, Va.: The premium you pay for a diesel or hybrid in a luxury car or SUV makes owning one a losing proposition. Chances are you will never recover the cost difference Warren between the gas powered BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Acura or Lexus and a hybrid or diesel powered one. With today's luxury cars you really don't want to own one for 7 or 10 years with all the electronics that can go and will go bad.

And someone mentioned the 1 series being a ladies car. They need to talk to track junkies who own 1 series. They are 99% male and have 135 modified turning out 400hp+ that turn quicker lap times than an M3, M5 or M 6.

The E30 85 to 91 3 series are treasured by BMW car junkies for having the best handling and brakes etc. And the only electronic nanny is ABS which can be defeated. A spinning car with ABS is unpredictable. Both feet in has no effect.

Warren Brown: Many thanks, Clifton. But I still contend, assuming you WANT to by a hybrid luxury ride, it would make more sense instead to buy a diesel version. You're not getting off cheaply in either case.

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Washington, D.C.: I am unexpectedly looking for an SUV after injuries which make the sitting position in a sedan very painful. I am at a loss since I never imagined myself as an SUV person and I am, unfortunately for my wallet, a BMW person. I loved the X6 but it is too expensive with the options and I thought the Audi Q5 was ok but it didn't do it for me. I love cars that handle well and have zip but I think my leg wants the comfort of a Buick - any ideas?

Warren Brown: What about the BMW X3 or X5? Or the great-for-backs-bottoms Honda Pilot or Acura MDX?

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Rockville: Any hope for Saturn? I liked that car.

Warren Brown: Without Penske, Rockville, and it now seems that it will be without Penske, I have little hope for Saturn. That one's a mess as matters now stand.

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Arlington: CNN broadcast a tape of a 911 call from a frantic driver whose car was traveling 120 due to an accelerator apparently jammed by the floor mat. The 911 operator couldn't tell him what to do before he crashed. Four people in the car were killed. Any advice for someone in that situation? I would think the first step would be to stand on the brakes, next switch off the ignition without locking the steering, then start sideswiping stuff before you hit something head on. Would any of that work? (I'm assuming you aren't aware that the floor mat is the cause.)

Warren Brown: I would've stood on the brakes (taking advantage of the antilock braking system in the subject car), while trying to steer around imminent crash objects. It has also been suggested that the vehicle in question should have been put in neutral to disengage the transmission. That makes sense to me. Please note: That's "NEUTRAL," not "OFF."

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Drop Top Dreaming': What's the word on the Nissan 370 Roadster... worth the money? And are dealers going to try to price above sticker?

Thx.

Warren Brown: Kindly read my "On Wheels" review coming this Sunday. The 370 Z is a weighty version of the 240 Z many of us fell in love with way back when. It's fast and all of that. But there remains something inescapably adolescent about it. But, that probably was because I drove the Bentley Continental Supersport the same week. The Bentley very definitely is worth the money. But, for most of us, finding that much money for an automobile is something next to impossible.

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Washington, D.C.: How about getting the government to mandate car returns like GM is doing now. I bought a new car with a seat that actually injured my back on over 30 minute drives. This was due to a basic design feature and was not apparent during my test drive. Dealer and manufacturer would do nothing, and I had to sell the car at an obvious loss. This and similar problems are not at all uncommon. Virtually every other consumer product can be returned under these circumstances, even $5k plasma TVs.

Warren Brown: Fair enough.

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Luxury Diesels: In response to Clifton, the motivation for a better-mileage luxury car usually isn't to save money (it's a LUXURY CAR, for crying' out loud), but to feel better about having a somewhat lower impact on the environment. Some may reject this as a hollow, self-serving "feel-good" gesture, but from my point of view, I would rather have those people driving diesel MB's and Audis than super-thirsty gasoline models -- after all, every little bit helps.

Warren Brown: Fair enough.

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Annapolis: Will there be rock bottom deals on Saturns now? Would that be a prudent buy considering where to go for repairs?

Warren Brown: Possibly, yes, best time to buy Saturn. I wouldn't worry about repairs. There will be lots of Chevrolet dealers (Opel-based Saturns share many components with Opel-based Chevrolets, such as the Malibu)around to take care of your Saturn cars.

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Alexandria: I've recently had the opportunity to sit in several new car models. What's the deal with the head rests? They all lean forward so far it's impossible to sit in the car. While I'm tall, I don't think 6'2" is out of the norm. Do car makers all assume we're all going to be leaning our seats back like a 16-year old?

Warren Brown: No. But all car makers are under government pressure to turn "head rests" into active safety restraints. Many head rests, as a result, are less restful.

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Rockville: I know that Kia is owned by Hyundai, and it looks like some of their model lineup is similar to Hyundai's, but maybe with slightly lower prices for apparently comparable cars. Any reason not to buy a Kia? How is their repair record, warranty, dealer network etc.?

Warren Brown: No, Rockville. Kia is in the mix of affordable, fine cars. Consider, for example, the excellent little Kia Forte.

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Annapolis: How would you rate the new Prius vs the new Insight? Prius seems to have better reviews but wow that Insight sure is cheaper.

Warren Brown: Having driven both long distances, I'd take the, to me, more drivable, enjoyable Insight.

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Anacostia: I am thinking about getting a small car for a work commute. In your review of the Hyundai Accent last week you gave it high marks. While Consumer Reports likes the Accent, it knocks it for not having Electronic Stabilization Control. About the only car in this class that has ESC is the Honda Fit, which comes close to $20K with all the necessary options. Would the need to get ESC in a small car be worth all the added expense?

Warren Brown: I like ESC, prefer it in fact. But the truth is that the Accent does exceptionally well without it, even carrying heavy (400 lbs.) loads. I had no problem with that one on a 700-mile trip that included mountain roads.

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Warren Brown: Thank you for joining us today. Please come back next week. Thanks, Sakina, for another fine production.

Eat lunch, Ria.

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