Car Doctor Q&A

Q

I am currently car shopping and have decided on the Mazda CX5. I noticed that on certain years Mazda has produced vehicles with quite dangerous recalls (air bag and seatbelt issues, fuel filler pipe ruptures). Is it entirely safe to buy these vehicles if the VIN number of a specific vehicle was not recalled? I have noticed that their safest year in the last 5years (2017), in terms of recalls and is quite difficult to find compared to the others.

A

To start with the Mazda Cx-5is a very good small SUV, it handles well and delivers a comfortable ride. As the Mazda CX-5 matures, the quality only seems to get better. One of the reasons for Mazda quality improvements as a company they have been refining products rather than coming out with new vehicles that can have “first-year” issues. Regarding recalls, with some many vehicles recalled in the last few years, in my opinion as long as the recall is repaired, the vehicle to some extent is upgraded. Regarding vehicles in the same year that have not been recalled, this usually means there was a production change that addressed the previous issue. For a used car, have it inspected prior to buying it and enter the VIN number at www.nhtsa. gov/recalls to see if there are any recalls that have not been completed. Ideally any recalls should be taken care of before you purchase the vehicle.

Q

I have a 2016RAM 1500Big Horn edition with the 5.7-liter Hemi engine and eight-speed transmission. The truck now has 85,000 miles on it and the manual states the transmission fluid is a lifetime fill and doesn’t need replacement. Can I believe that or is nothing lifetime? Some people say 80,000 some say 100,000, the dealer says leave it if there are no problems. The warranty is 100,000 miles and my concern is that if I have it serviced somewhere and I have a problem, the dealer could say we told you not to touch it. Now it’s not covered. What would you do?

A

It really depends how you use the truck. If you tow a boat or camping trailer RAM has a “severe” service recommendation to change the fluid at 60,000 miles. Regarding fluid changes and warranty, this model uses Chrysler specific fluid, as long as you use the correct fluid, there is no problem changing it early. When I looked up the maintenance interval on both of the online programs that I use recommend transmission fluid as well as differential and transfer case fluid changes at 60,000 miles. Also, when I was looking for an on-line owner’s manual I found the Canadian manual which also recommends periodic fluid changes (likely due to the weather). If this were my truck and I used it as a truck, I would change the fluids. If it is just a commuter and a weekend runner to the home improvement center and transfer station, I would consider the fluids lifetime.

Q

I am interested in replacing my 2016 Ford F150 with a similar truck. I am wondering what you would consider to be the top two or three pickups for 2021 based on dependability, cost to purchase and maintain and longevity? My F-150 has 87,000 miles on it and the last time I had it serviced I was told it needed new drive belts and lug nuts which I am not sure I really needed but I went along with it. I am leaning away from the Ford and more towards a Honda Ridgeline or perhaps a Toyota Tundra. What are your thoughts Car Doctor?

A

The full-size trucks on the market today are all virtually tie with each other. You al

most can’t go wrong with finding the one you like best, then most convenient dealer and the model that fits your budget. Picking the best fullsized truck is difficult, but recently the New England Motor Press named the Ram 1500 as the top choice in the pickup truck category. Regarding the Honda Ridgeline it is a truck for people who didn’t know they needed a truck. The ride is smooth, performance and economy and reasonable, the cabin is comfortable and the sealed storage compartment in the bed is a very nice feature for keeping things dry and locked away. Personally, I don’t have a need for a fullsized truck, but if I wanted a truck, the Ridgeline for me is a perfect choice.

Q

There is a total outside water ban in my town which means I can’t wash my vehicles. I have seen waterless car wash, are these products safe to use on my newer vehicles?

A

Sounds like you live in my town. I decided to try waterless car wash and came away pretty impressed. The chemical formula lifts the dirt away from the paint and you wipe it away with a microfiber cloth. You will need several microfiber towels to prevent any possible paint damage. Now if the car is covered in mud go to a car wash and clean off the heavy dirt. To me the waterless products are great for the once a week touchup to keep your car looking good.

— John Paul, Senior Manager, Public Affairs and Traffic

Safety, AAA Northeast