Letters to the Editors
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Subject: "Full Test: 2007 Noble M400"
From: Steve
Excellent article by Mssr. Jacquot on the Noble M400. I don't know why, but I feel vindicated by the Noble. Validated.

I am elated that this car — in this day of 3,200-pound GTIs(!) and 3,600-pound 3 Series coupes — can kick sand in the "face" of about any other car out there, and it weighs less than 2,500 pounds. With the exception of the relatively lightweight, yet electronically overwrought Z06, it pleases me to no end that the beautifully engineered and brilliantly developed M400 weighs far less than 3,000 pounds. Weighs less than 2,500 pounds, goes like stink, pulls over 1g and is relatively comfortable, with a good ride to boot. Damn!

Maybe it's because after over 20 years of C4 Vettes, 280Zs, Starions, CRX Sis, X 1/9s, SVOs, Saab 9000s and Civics — and now "saddled" with "boring-mobiles" like the '99 Taurus SE (at least I can rotate the thing by trail braking) and wife's 04 Camry LE (surprisingly nimble, secure and tossable) — I still tool around in my 2,600-pound, twin-turbocharged Maserati Biturbo. It's an '85.

I know you're shaking your head, giggling. "What a nut!" you mutter. But hey, I am proud of the fact that it weighs far less than 3,000 pounds (2,600 pounds), has a 20-gallon tank and can still get 20 mpg — even after beating it for a couple of hours.

Those guys at Noble deserve a medal and national media exposure. Less than 2,500 pounds. Outstanding.

Steve, we had no idea a car's curb weight could spark such a poignant outpouring of raw emotion. We're glad you liked the piece. By the way, we'll have whatever it is you're... having. — Ed.

Subject: "Long-Term Test: 2003 Lexus SC 430"
From: Sophia
Thanks a million for the rather extensive review of the 2003 Lexus SC 430 that you wrote over a period of one year or so. It was greatly appreciated. The gas mileage sounded terrible but other than that, the car sounds as great as I think it will be! Again, glad you were there for me.

Aww... we are indeed there for you, Sophia. Thank you. Here are a couple of other stories regarding the SC 430 that you may find helpful:

2007 Lexus SC 430 Model Review

2002 Luxury Convertibles Over $55,000 Comparison Test — Ed.

Subject: "Buying Tips: Have It Your Way"
From: Ben
As one of those dreaded new/used car sales consultants that are always on Edmunds, I wanted to confirm your tips on car ordering. I wanted to tell you that this is where the small-time dealer has found their niche.

Many smaller dealerships are more willing to order a vehicle exactly the way you want it rather than sell you one off the lot. This is how I sell the majority of my purchases. I work for a very small new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealer. I have a total across all three brands of 12 new vehicles on my lot. Yes, you read that right, 12.

If you desire a factory program car or off-lease car, you can use the same approach that you described as well. If you are willing to be patient for what you want, many dealers will find the car that you want in a factory-used or off-lease unit. We cannot guarantee it will be exact but we can get close in most cases. I think it makes sense to order exactly what you want rather then let me or anyone else pick it out for you.

Subject: "Consumers' Most Wanted"
From: Chau
Ha ha ha — you have got to be kidding me!

The GMC Acadia is the Consumers' Most Wanted Most Significant Vehicle of the Year?

GM must have gotten some of their union workers to go online all day to make this happen!

Subject: "Consumers' Most Wanted"
From: Joel
As I read your 2007 Consumers' Most Wanted list, one thought kept popping into my head: GM must have stuffed the ballot box! Not only did General Motors grab 13 1st-place awards (up from six last year), but they had nine vehicles finish in 2nd place as well. GMC Acadia winning most significant vehicle? Saturn Aura getting more votes than Accord or Camry? Chevy Malibu more popular than the Toyota Corolla? A trio of Cadillacs (CTS/STS/XLR) proving more popular than their BMW, Audi, Lexus or Porsche counterparts? Wow!

While these results are surprising to say the least, I could believe them. GM has done a great job in improving its vehicles over the past few years. However, when the "not relevant since the first Bush administration" GM minivans (Buick Terraza/Saturn Relay/Chevy Uplander) place ahead of the Toyota Sienna in the minivan category, I'm forced to raise the red flag. I'm not sure how they did it, but congratulations to General Motors for finding a way to get the entire state of Michigan to vote in this year's Most Wanted List!

Subject: Mazda vs. Audi
From: Mal
I just test-drove both the Mazda CX-9 and the Audi Q7 back to back. In fact, the CX-9 is faster than the V8 Audi! The Mazda rides as nice, is 1,000 pounds lighter and has more room inside, especially for the third-row seat (which has easier access, too).

You should pit the two against each other in a comparison. You wrote flattering reviews for both vehicles, but at a $20K price difference, bang for the buck is clearly Mazda's trump card! Mazda deserves praise.

Subject: How-To Articles
From: John
Just read the "How to Change Your Brake Pads" article — it was great. Everything was described in excellent detail, and definitions of parts were provided, too. Only suggestion would be to add pictures for the step-by-step process.

Thanks for making these available.

We've begun creating helpful videos to accompany many of our how-to features. Here are a couple of examples:

"How to Inspect and Replace Vehicle Lighting"

"How to Maintain Your Car's Fluid Levels" — Ed.