CAR DOCTOR Q&A
Q. My family has recently expanded to include a daughter and 100-pound dog. We are currently in the market for a car that can handle our new additions plus a future child. Since we are still in a recession and times are tough, I was wondering if you could recommend a particular car that meets our needs for reliability, comfort, and gas stinginess. So far, I’ve looked at the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, and the Subaru Outback. Any recommendations?
A. Of the cars you have looked at, the Subaru offers, in my opinion, the best combination of fuel economy, reliability and comfort, followed by the newest CRVwhich is now available as a hybrid. Since I don’t have a dog or kids, let’s see if the readers with dogs and kids will make some additional recommendations. Readers email me at jpaul@aaanortheast.com
Q. I own a 2001 Saab 9.3 convertible that from time to time will not start. We push the bottom on the key fob and try again and after a while, no set time, the car starts. I have no idea what the problem is or when it will happen, any ideas?
A. From your description it is easy to think the ignition switch may be a problem, especially considering its location between the front seats and it propensity to become contaminated from coffee and soda. Although before I changed the switch I would check the terminals at the starter motor. These terminals have been known to build u with corrosion and cause an intermittent no start condition.
Q. I have a nagging problem with my Durango. It shuts down for no apparent reason, periodically won’t idle. It is acting like when the battery went dead. It started with a slow start leading to needing a jump. It would only run if I kept place my foot on the gas. I got home parked the truck. It started right up the next day and idled fine. I drove about a mile and got to the store. The truck died as soon as I took my foot off the gas. I drove home twofooted and parked it. I restarted the truck each day for the next two days and it idled and ran fine. The alternator is putting out about 14 volts, but I noticed if I put everything on, lights, heat, it would show discharge at idle. What is wrong?
A. I would want to take a very good look at the power supply and ground circuits for the trucks computer. It is possible a poor connection is causing the alternator to not charge when the vehicle is under a load and causing the truck to in essence, run out of electricity.
Q. We own a 2006 Buick Lucerne CXL. I am having a problem getting the car out of park when the car is on an incline. I have to keep yanking on the gear shifter to get it into drive. If I remember in time I engage the emergency brake before putting it in park and then I’m okay. Does this imply a transmission problem?
A. The problem does sound as if the parking
“pawl” is worn and causing the difficulty in shifting from park when the car is on an incline. The first place to start is looking for some basic wear and tear. If there is nothing obvious, then there would be some disassembly of the transmission to inspect the parking pawl and detent assembly fix the problem.
Q. If you had the option would you purchase a Jaguar XJ or an Audi A8? I’m in the market for a large luxurious sedan and would like your opinion.
A. Both cars are very good choices. The latest Jaguar is powerful, rides smoothly and has a luxuriously comfortable interior. The last time I drove the XJ, it turned more heads and received more comments than any vehicle in recent memory. I haven’t driven an Audi A8 in a while, but I remember it as powerful and handling quite remarkably for a large sedan. The ride is a bit firm, but in my opinion a reasonable trade- off for great handling. Two minor faults with the Jaguar, the navigation/climate control/ sound system is overly complicated and somewhat distracting. Also the rear seat entry and egress is a little awkward do to the stylish but sloping roofline. It really comes down to personal style. To me the Audi is more subdued and the Jaguar a bit more “highfashion”. Both are great cars, but my style leans more toward the Audi.