AAA CAR DOCTOR JOHN PAUL 5/04/2001

May Chat New Models & Concepts

John Paul
The Car Doctor is back from the big show in NY. The PT convertible was one of the stars of the show. If you have a question about the new models at the show or problems with your car, log on

SnRNP
How do you compare the Mazda MPV to the new Chrysler minivans?

John Paul
SnRNP-I like the MPV alot. The problem is it is on the small side and when fully loaded feels a little under-powered. The biggest competition with the Chrysler vans is the Honda.

Vince
What is your opinion of the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (supercharged)?

John Paul
Vince the Pontiac is fun to drive and handles pretty well but has a lot of torque steer. the overall fit and finish is no as good as some others. Keep in mind the GTP need premium fuel

New car buyer
How would you rate the new Chrysler Sebring sedan in terms of expected reliability ? Thank you.

John Paul
New car buyer the Sebring is a well designed car with very few faults, but Chryslers overall history with reliabilty is all over the map. The good news is every year there seems to be improvements. With Mercedes Benz the quality can only improve

Jack Green
Which new models, other than the Prius, are featuring low emissions and good gas mileage? Were fuel-cell cars featured — are they closer to being a reality for consumers?

John Paul
Jack Green Honda has introduced a version of the Civic that is very clean running. Although almost every company has a fuel cell car, but production looks several years away, perhaps 2003 or 4.

Moderator
Here's a photo gallery of some of the zero-emissions efforts

CT
Do you have any thoughts on the Subura WRX wagon? How do you compare it to a Volks GTI?

John Paul
CT The Subaru is fun to drive and all wheel drive keeps the wheels on the road. The VW is fun but there are some new engines in the future to provide more performance than currently from the 175 hp six

hj
What are your impressions of the Volvo Wagon? I'm considering the V70 T5, with standard tranny. Thanks.

John Paul
hj The Volvo wagon is solid safe and performs pretty well. the older models suffered with alot of tire and wheel problems(Boston potholes) For a station wagon the Volvo offers more that just transportation in a somewhat sporty feel

tch
i'm considering purchasing a new station wagon soon. recognizing i that i tend to drive my cars at least 10 yrs or more, what would you suggest as the best value for my money?

John Paul
tch depending on how much money you want to spend can make a difference. Almost any car that is taken care of can last ten years, but at the end of ten years a wagon like a Volvo, Mercedes or BMW will hold its value. For the money the Taurus wagon is a good buy and the Focus wagon offers alot of room in a small package.

VWfan
What is your opinion of the overall differences in the VW Passat 2001 and the new mid-year release, the 2001.5? Are there clear benefits to waiting for the 2001.5?

John Paul
I have driven both and found the 2001.5 to be better but how much depends more on you. Check out Bill Griffith's report on the VW in last sundays Globe

Moderator
You can read Bill Griffith's review of the 2001.5 VW Passat online now at http://www.boston.com/cars/reviews/

WinterFox
For those of you asking about high MPG cars I urge you to check out the Honda Insight. It's not for everyone (only a two seater) but I have been very impressed in my first week of driving it.

John Paul
Winterfox, the Insight is great and offers pretty good cargo room. When i road tested one i never received less than 52mpg and going to vermont was up at 68 mpg. I was a little irked that the vehicle doesn't meet as clean a standard as the Toyota Prius

Over100
I am looking for a car that will last well past the 100,000 mark. I am thinking of a used car, either a Subaru Legacy Outback, or a used Toyota 4Runner...What do you think of these? And also, what other 4WD or sport utility vehicles would you recommend?

John Paul
Over100 any car that is maintained can last 100,000 miles. The outback is much more car like. The 4Runner is a truck and is great if you need a truck for towing or off-road use. If you travels keep you on the pavement the stiff ride may get to you.

KM
Have any crash tests been conducted on the Toyota prius? I've been hesitant about the car since the high-voltage batteries potentially could arc in an accident igniting the fuel. Do the hybrid cars have to meet the safe safety standards as gasoline engine vehicles?

John Paul
KM Toyota has conducted several crash test and found no problems. In any car if there is a crash there is always that possibilty. The near future promises 42 volt electrical systems that have the same safety concerns. With a company like Toyota that is such a "belt and suspenders" safety company the issue has been addressed

jeepman
Would you consider buying the New Jeep Liberty, or wait a year until problems shake out?

John Paul
jeepman, with everthing that is going on at Chrysler this year if it was my money I would wait at least 6 months

Derek
I am wondering what you think of the new Lexus IS300. I got one last year and it is a piece of junk. The bottom protection piece, for the undercarraige, fell off, the rims rusted within 4 weeks, and It has trouble getting out of .5" of snow.

John Paul
Derek, The IS300 is a fun car to drive but its not a 3 series BMW. It's light and fairly quick and without snow tires is a handfull in the winter. If the rims are rusting they should be replaced under warranty. The BMW 3 series is no a great winter performer unless you go with the new xi awd model.

Semaj
What's your overall feelings about the Subaru Forester? Have test driven this vechile? And how does it rate against the VW Jettawagon?

John Paul
Semaj The Forester is tall boxy and a decent value. The VW offers the Passat wagon in awd which is very nice. The Subaru suffers from limted rear seat room

John Paul
If anyone has a question about car repairs or new models you can email me at jpaul@aaasne.com

TD
What do you think of the Chrysler PT Cruiser?

John Paul
TD what not to like. If is fun to drive--althogh not alot of power, great to look at and you can carry plenty of stuff and not real expensive