Letters to the Editors
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Subject: "The Real Cost of Owning a Hybrid"
From: Tom
I own a 2001 Toyota Prius. It is a very satisfying car to own, especially these days. I have important news in regards to the below statement.

A statement in the article:
"The energy is transformed into electricity, which recharges the batteries and can be reused to increase fuel-efficiency. Additionally, reduced heat means less wear on the brakes.

"'We've seen customers go 85,000 miles before they needed to replace their brakes on their Prius vehicles,' says Toyota's Hermance."

My story about brakes:

I have driven my Prius 108,000 miles so far. My car brakes still have 70 percent of their pads left, both front and back. This means that they should last as far as 300,000 miles at that rate. I have heard of people, Yahoo Groups, with 250,000 miles on their car with no brake issues yet. 85,000 miles is the MINIMUM a person should expect in brake life from a Toyota Prius. In truth, even riding the brakes — though bad for the car — cannot cause the brakes to wear out that fast. At speeds under 10 mph, the brakes are not used except for emergency stops or hard braking. The regenerative braking is truly amazing.

Subject: "Torch My Ride: Arson for Hire"
From: Lewis
I read the above article and there was a comment in the body that I would like more information about, if possible.

You said, "Even leased cars can be bought and then sold to get out of debt."

I am interested in selling my leased vehicle but I'm not sure how this could be accomplished. Is there an article that you would have available regarding this to possibly point me in the right direction?

There is no easy way to get out from under high lease payments. However, there are two alternatives you can try. You can purchase your car at any point during the lease by calling the finance company and requesting a "buyout amount." Once you get the car's title you can turn around and sell the car to a private party. Alternately, you can post your car on Swapalease.com, Leasetrader.com, or Takemypayments.com and let someone else complete the existing lease contract. See Buying Your Leased Car for more info about purchasing your leased car. — Ed.

Subject: Cars and Knees
From: Sarah
Here's an issue that afflicts seniors which is never mentioned — even though it also afflicts people with sports injuries and other problems. It's what made me buy a Honda CR-V over a more fuel-efficient model. Knees. Lousy knees. Lousy weak knees one depends on to get out of a car. The higher the seat, the easier it is to enter and exit; the lower the seat, the more agonizing and sometimes impossible.

I mentioned this issue once to Consumer Reports and they sent a "Eureka!" response. But they've never gone on to include it in their ratings. Time for Edmunds — and The New York Times — and car manufacturers — to factor this into their assessments of cars sold to tall, long-legged, problem-knee Americans!

Your point is well taken, Sarah. You may want to take a look at our "Top 10 Best Vehicles for Seniors in 2006" story. There are quite few full-size sedans on that list, like the Ford Five Hundred, Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300; full-size sedans typically have a higher seating position, facilitating easier entry and exit for people who have difficulty bending. You may also want to check out our Mobility Buying Guide for more insight on features that might benefit drivers with knee problems. — Ed.

Subject: Go Diesel!
From: Reid
It's way past time America got going on diesels. I'd like to see Edmunds start pushing the advantages of diesels and start counteracting some of the negative misconceptions people have about older diesel technology.

Want an immediate 30 percent increase in fuel economy? Buy a diesel.

Want an immediate reduction in greenhouse gas & harmful emissions? Use biodiesel.

Want more power? Go diesel.

Want more diesel options? Tell America what's what with modern diesels. Hopefully that will lead to us getting some imports, and force Detroit to take some action. Ethanol isn't going to cut it. It's less fuel-efficient than gasoline, and unless it's wayyyyyy cheaper than gas, there is no real advantage.

What you say is quite true for the future. However, at this point, few diesels are available on the U.S. market and, in five U.S. states, you can't buy diesel cars because of environmental restrictions. This year, the formula for diesel is changing to low sulfur and that will begin to open the door to many European diesels. Many are predicting that the first wave of new diesels will be for the 2008 model year. You're also right about biodiesel. This seems to present a great opportunity to reduce the trade deficit, cut emissions and put American farmers to work raising crops that can generate biodiesel. Again, this will take some time to implement but it is clearly a step in the right direction.

Edmunds is putting a lot of emphasis on alternative fuels, including diesel. See our Fuel Economy Guide, and specifically, our articles, Diesel, Dirty No More, Diesel's Greener Bill of Health and Diesel, Gas or Hybrid? — Ed.

Subject: "2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. 2006 Nissan Xterra Off-Road"
From: Steve
As an owner of three classic FJs back in the '60s through the '80s I was so excited by the announcement of a new FJ! Put my money down and couldn't wait for it to be delivered.

After several months' wait it arrived and I was so disappointed. The interior was like riding in a submarine with small port holes. The interior and exterior treatments were so faux tough. One example being the quasi-industrial vents — I mean, come on. So plastic and ridiculous looking. The whole vehicle reminded me of a Disney version of the real FJs of the past.

I got my deposit back and walked away happy that I wasn't stuck with it. Checked out the Nissan Xterra soon afterward and liked it much better. However, I didn't buy it either, as the reality of neither vehicle being practical or necessary in my life now sunk in. My 2001 F-150 SuperCrew is going to stick around a while longer. Really love the F-150, by the way.

Thank you for providing such an interesting and useful Web site.

Subject: "V6 Family Sedan Comparison Test"
From: John
The only thing the Fusion lacks is a fair review. You gave it a fourth-place finish?!? It's a clear first place in comparison with the boring entries from Japan and Korea. It handles better; its "appliance" look is bold and imaginative. The interior is beautiful; everything fits perfectly and controls are easy to use. Ever hear a comedian compare the front ends of cars to faces? The Accord is Bugs Bunny. The new Camry is just plain ugly. The Sonata is so bland it should have been named the "Librarian."

You will never, ever give a fair write-up to anything made by a U.S. company. If the Fusion made zero to 60 mph in under 2 seconds and was priced at $500, you would find fault. The Fusion is by orders of magnitude the best value, best quality and best looking of any of the bunch. But I guess Ford (and GM) don't have you in their hip pocket.

I think Ford will have the last laugh, ladies and gentlemen. As I drive the streets I have suddenly noticed quite a few Fusions — and some Mercury Milans. When people discover the truth for themselves, as I have, no matter what you write, Fusion will take the lead.

You've outed us, John. We hate American-made vehicles — so much so that the Pontiac Solstice is our pick for Most Significant Vehicle of the Year. So much so that the Dodge Charger is our pick for Most Wanted Sedan Under $25,000. So much so that the Ford Mustang is our pick for Most Wanted Coupe Under $25,000. We could go on and on, but why bother? You've obviously blown the lid off our secret shame. — Ed.

Subject: Thank You
From: Suzy
Before I purchased my new car I spent a lot of time on your Web site. I was able to compare the models and read reviews. I was able to determine my optimum purchase price. You saved me time, effort and money. I shopped comfortably at my own computer. With your help, I narrowed down my selections to the top five cars, and only then did I go out to test drive the selections.

I test drove the Mercedes-Benz CLK 500, the Cadillac XRV and the Corvette coupe; I was planning to drive the 2007 Jaguar XKR before making my final choice. Oh, and just for grins I tried out the Lexus LS. Then a week before the Jag was due to arrive at the dealership, I test-drove the BMW 650i. That was it. I bought it on the spot. It suits me to a tee. I love it.

Thank you for helping me prepare for my purchase. I was able to make a deal that was comfortable for me. Edmunds was there in all ways except to sign the papers.

Now, here I am again. This time I need a new car to tow behind the motor home. So I will be picking your brain for clues to help me select and purchase a vehicle to replace my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. Right now I am considering the 2006 Honda Odyssey or waiting for the 2007 Dodge Nitro to arrive on the scene. To be continued...

Subject: Most Significant Vehicle of the Year — Pontiac Solstice
From: Joyce
I just wanted to comment on your Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2006 list.

I am a 58-year-old woman. Call it a midlife crisis or whatever you want, but the first time I saw that car I said, I have to have one. I was going to wait until they came out with an automatic transmission, because I have never driven a stick shift. But the salesman said I could do it and taught me how. So with my heart pounding like my first love I bought the car.

I like it so much that when I had the chance to drive it to Augusta, Georgia for a golf outing at my sister's, my husband and I decided to give it a whirl. Now the trunk will not hold two sets of golf clubs but this is what you will do if you are truly in love with your car! We took the clubs from the bags and laid them in the trunk, mailed our clothes to our destination and upon arrival bought two cheap golf bags. So with the top down and 10 hours later we were there with windblown hair and smiles on our faces! It was the shortest 10-hour drive I have ever been on. (Just a note: We also own a full-size Chevy with a large trunk.)

So even though I still kill the engine on hills, I am having a lot of fun driving the Solstice. It is a fun little car and sure adds some spice to this old lady's life.

Subject: Buying Back a "Lemon Law" Car
From: Charles
My buddy is returning his car to the manufacturer and I'd like to buy it. I am familiar with the problems that the car has but I would be willing to buy it if the price and terms were right. Any suggestions how I can accomplish this?

We have never had this question before and can't really offer you a definitive answer. However, if your friend returns it, the car's title will be changed to reflect a lemon-law status and thus will be devalued. Since you know the problems and are willing to live with them, why not just buy the car directly from your friend? In this way you can avoid a black mark on the title and arrange the transfer directly. — Ed.