Letters to the Editors
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Subject: Popular Car Colors
From: Mekye

This message is for Philip Reed.

Philip, recently I read your comments from radio and TV reports regarding popular car colors. This excerpt is from an NBC news affiliate:

"When you go to choose a color, you need to think most about the resale value of it, unless you plan to drive the wheels off the car, and then make a personal statement with it." So what color does make the best investment? "The most popular color for most cars right now is silver." Reed says people who drive silver or gold cars are looking for an expression of wealth. One added advantage with silver — it may be less expensive to fix after an accident. "It's the easiest color to match at a body shop, so if you get hit, it's not one of the exotic, hard-to-match colors." Black is a color that allows people to be hidden and anonymous. Green colors are feelings of the heart. And blue and red are considered more flamboyant ("speed and power is red, but you have to watch out, because the theory at least, is that police stop people in red cars more often").

I looked on Edmunds.com to see if an article was posted but had no luck. I was just curious as to what was the source of your car color popularity information. Thank you for your time.

In preparing for the interview, Phil read several reports from psychologists and historians. Individual color preferences are filled with meanings that seem to transcend their application to cars. Furthermore, he draws from the comments of other staff members at Edmunds.com and car dealers he has interviewed. — Ed.


Subject: Internet Pricing
From: Seth

I read with fascination your article (Part II) about Internet pricing. Saving time and money, and in a relaxed environment to boot! My question, however, regards your selection of cars. The Camry, Explorer and even Passat (although to a lesser extent) are all high-volume vehicles; dealers sell a ton of them. How do you think the experience would differ if you were to choose a high-line product? Say a BMW, Lexus and
Cadillac? I have been doing some price shopping on an Infiniti G35 sedan, both on the Internet and through a showroom. While the Internet process is certainly fast, easy and usually involves firm pricing (i.e. no negotiating), the showroom approach is lengthy, but negotiable. I can't necessarily discern a difference between the two in terms of final cost. What is your experience with different makes of cars? I think a follow-up article would be extremely fascinating and worthwhile.

You are quite right that buying a luxury car is a different experience. However, we believe the Internet department might be even more important in this case. Many luxury salespeople on the showroom floor adopt the attitude that the car's price is beyond question and they shoot for sticker price. The Internet department acknowledges that price does matter. However, you might need to throw a larger net when requesting quotes. When we bought our Audi A4, most quotes were very high — except from the place we finally bought it, where it was below our TMV price. Keep in mind that the Internet price isn't necessarily rock bottom. There may still be some room for negotiation. — Ed.


Subject: BMW 3 Series
From: James

Thank you so much for such a useful site. I do most of my research here before my purchase. I am very interested in a BMW 3 Series coupe as this is my first choice for my next lease. As I did my research elsewhere, I found out that they started to offer a six-speed manual in the 3 Series coupe as an option for 2003, and this will be the standard tranny for the new 2004 model. But I could not find any information about that on this site, including the price and/or packages that I need to get for the six-speed. Can you please verify and update the Web site? And I know that there are some changes made to the coupe for the 2004 model, and I have already seen one being driven on the street. And yet, there is no information or pictures of the model. Please update as I know I am not the only one who is interested in the changes made.

Awaiting your reply, and thank you so much!

While various BMW press releases seem to indicate changes to the 2003 3 Series coupe, these changes are, in fact, for the 2004 model. There will be modest styling updates and a six-speed manual transmission available on the 2004 coupe, and starting on April 1, 2003, a six-speed manual transmission will be standard on the 2003 BMW 330i sedan. While BMW makes capable cars, its press releases and midyear model introductions can be a bit confusing. — Ed.


Subject: Honda Civic — Antilock Brakes?
From: Randall

In your review of the Honda Civic (2000), you noted that antilock brakes were only available on the EX and one other model. I own an EX and cannot find any information anywhere with regard to an ABS system. My car insurance company could not either. Upon calling the dealer, I was told only this year does the Civic have ABS. Who has it right, the service manager and my window sticker or you?

You have a great Web site!

We are right, of course, all 2000 Civic EX sedans have ABS. If you have a manual transmission 2000 Civic EX coupe, antilock brakes are neither standard nor optional. If you have an EX coupe with the automatic, it might have ABS, but it might not (it was a $600 option). — Ed.


Subject: Electric Vehicles
From: Karen

I am a frequent visitor to your Web site. I recently read your article about neighborhood electric vehicles, and was grateful for the information it provided.

I am an intern at an automotive marketing firm, and have a project to do on low-speed vehicles and neighborhood electric vehicles. I was wondering if you know where I can get the sales numbers of the Th!nk Neighbor and GEM NEVs? I also would like to know if you have any useful reference web links that could point me in the right direction of finding more research on these vehicles.

Unfortunately, Ford realized the Th!nk program was not financially viable last fall. The company is looking to off-load its electric vehicle division to whoever wants it. GM has cancelled its EV1 electric car program for the same reason, and will be "repo-ing" all EV1s as they come off lease in the next year. Chrysler is currently supporting a GEM electric vehicle program. With the exception of certain gated communities, purely electric vehicles simply don't hold much promise as a viable means of transportation. — Ed.


Subject: G35
From: Jason

You wrote, "The G35 gets from 0-60 mph slightly quicker by switching the traction control off and utilizing the manual mode of the five-speed automatic — it's also more fun. Sixty mph comes up at just over six seconds from a standstill." I was wondering where the traction control switch is, 'cause I was tossing and turning through my car and the only switch I found was the VDC switch, which only slows the tires down from slipping in corners...right?

While traction control usually refers to wheelspin in a straight line, the Vehicle Dynamic Control system in your G35 includes a traction control system to keep your tires from spinning while traveling in a straight line. Hitting the VDC button will allow your G35 to spin its tires during an aggressive launch (not that we're recommending this type of behavior, or even suggesting you ever switch off VDC). — Ed.


Subject: Sales Tax
From: Dan

I understand Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not charge sales tax. It is my intent to purchase a new Mercedes E320 when my current lease ends. Will I be able to purchase from a dealer in one of these states and ultimately register in my home state to circumvent the sales tax levied within my home state?

Unfortunately, most states have caught onto this tactic. Check with your local DMV or auto club and you'll probably find that you pay sales tax on where the car is registered (your address) rather than where the car is purchased. — Ed.


Subject: SUV Comparo
From: Lois

Just read your comparison of 1998 SUVs. Are there any more recent articles on newer SUVs?

I want to get a small SUV with optional 4WD if possible, but all of my research seems to indicate the field is pretty narrow. I'd really appreciate some help in determining what's out there and what's reasonable — under $20,000 for a used one not older than 2000. Am I dreaming the impossible?

I will be living in the central Pennsylvania Mountains and dealing with snow and mountain roads on occasion. Nothing as strenuous as traversing streams or climbing boulders; just getting to recreational areas and a mountain camp on a steep, rutted dirt road.

Suggestions? I would really appreciate any help you might be able to offer.

You should check out our 2001 Mini-SUV Comparison Test. All of these vehicles will be available on the used market for less than $20,000, so finding one that meets your needs should be easy. Good luck! — Ed.


Subject: Confessions of a Car Salesman
From: Steve

I am a consumer who has just read this article on your Web site, "Confessions of a Car Salesman" by Chandler Phillips.

THIS IS SIMPLY THE BEST ARTICLE I HAVE EVER READ ON THE INSIDE OF A CAR SALESMAN'S LIFE.

Mr. Phillips should be commended for his excellent article.

My father was a used car salesman. When I showed him this we laughed together at the article's accuracy!

As a consumer, I am and always have been appalled by the car-buying experience.

This article and the Edmunds.com Web site are the best, most informative source of info for the average consumer or common man.

Please keep up the good work — you are actually helping people out there!


Subject: Chandler Phillips' Article
From: Bilal

I read your article on how cars are sold, from your experience as a salesman…just having gone through two hours of the four-square sheet this afternoon at a local Toyota dealership. Good Lord, this dealership fit the description of your first dealership to a tee.

Thank God I didn't buy the car today. I'll never be as gullible again. Thanks for letting us naïve consumers into the world of the car salesmen…and thereby helping us save money.


Subject: For Chandler Phillips
From: Paul

I just finished reading your exposé, "Confessions of a Car Salesman." Your writing is excellent, and provides buyers with very valuable information. While reading, I was wondering if taking the dealer aside and offering them their commission up front, say $350 cash in the pocket for closing a deal at a specified price, might not be the best way to buy a car. It relaxes the dealer, it gives you the price you want (you can set a low target, then subtract $350), and if you don't get the deal, he doesn't get the commission. That way he doesn't care if the sales manager is happy, he still gets the sale and the money. And if he doesn't trust you, why should you trust him?

Just a thought. At least, it would keep the sales folks in business (in a sense they are in business for themselves anyway) and reduce the profit-taking from the sales managers. Waiters won't haggle you at restaurants to buy the most inexpensive dish if you tell them when you walk in what their tip is going to be. And they might just take the extra time to serve you what you want.

Thanks again for your fantastic article. And kudos to your company for the value of consumer information it provides on Edmunds.com.

An interesting idea…. If you had a friend who was a car salesman you might arrange this. However, it would be risky for a salesperson to cut a deal directly with a customer. The sales manager has final approval of the deal and they will want to know all the money involved. Salespeople and dealers sometimes will sell a car at rock-bottom prices so they can make a quota. It's probably better to work the deal using Edmunds.com calculators and let them decide how much or how little commission/profit they can live with. — Ed.


Subject: New Web Site
From: Cosset

Normally I don't take the time to tell people about their Web site but in this case I couldn't resist. I have used your Web site on a regular basis and have recommended it for at least the last five years. I won't anymore! Your "enhancements" have slowed down your Web site to a crawl and I have high-speed access at home and work (and tried to access it from both places). Ever heard of beta testing? Good luck, you're going to need it! E-mail me when you go back to the old format.

While any major Web site redesign is bound to turn up some technical bugs, we haven't had widespread complaints about our load times, and we're still refining some pages to make them load even faster. Maybe you should give us another chance. — Ed.


Subject: Honda Accord Sound Levels
From: Bill

You measured the noise level at 70 mph cruise to be 92 dB for the '03 Accord (very loud) but only 72 dB (very quiet) for the '02 Camry. Can it be that much of a difference? Or did you use a different system to measure the sound?

How does the VW Passat compare? I noted that the new Mazda 6 was as loud as the Accord.

Any help would be appreciated.

The numbers for the Accord were taken with faulty sound equipment. We have fixed the equipment problem and removed those numbers from the Mazda and Honda road tests. Sorry for any confusion. — Ed.


Subject: 10 Steps
From: Kevin

I have just finished reading your excellent "10 Steps" article at Edmunds.com but I have a situation you did not cover. I want to order a PT Cruiser Touring edition with only the options I want. All the ones on the dealer lots around here are too optioned-up for my tastes. Does this mean I have less leverage when trying to make a deal? How does the dealer holdback work for cars that are ordered? Can I order a car through the Internet salesperson or do I have to go to a floor salesman?

You should be able to get a good deal on an ordered PT Cruiser (although it will probably take two months to get it). The Internet manager will take your order but you will need to leave a deposit, which could be done over the phone with a credit card. As for the holdback, the dealer would pocket all of this unless you call him on it. So, in computing your deal, reduce our TMV by the amount of the holdback and any incentives that are available (see next question for more on holdbacks). — Ed.


Subject: Dealer Holdbacks
From: Daniel

When I visited your site about a year ago there was a page that described in detail the concept of dealer holdbacks. It also listed the percentage each manufacturer gave to the dealers. Is it possible to get a copy of that information? I can't seem to find it on the site now.

Here's a link to the dealer holdback page. It's in our Advice section, or you can go to the search engine and type "dealer holdback" to find it. — Ed.


Subject: TMV
From: Wayne

I was wondering why the prices of 1999 and 2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5s and Ltds dropped off so dramatically in January according to the TMV calculator. This is certainly not reflected in the auction marketplace, where product runs consistently average about $17,000 to $17,500 for the 2000 SR5 and about $15,000 to $16,000 for the 1999 SR5. I am fortunate enough to be able to shop at an auction through a contact, and receive regular auction market pricing runs, and have observed a "disconnect" at Edmunds not previously apparent in October through December.

I am not looking for an answer like "we do not track the auction market" or "auctions are different than other markets." I believe that they are firmly linked. I would like to understand why the pricing stability at auction is being missed in the TMV calculator. Did you start to change the data that you collect, or is there a strong market shift? If there is a strong market shift, what is causing it? Mind you, the new 2003 model year was available in September 2002, and that should have been evident in late 2002.

Our TMV data team responds: Based on auction pricing data and a general consensus among our sources, we agree with Wayne that there has been a market shift for this product, and our values have reflected this change. The January numbers have declined due to several macro level factors such as slightly less new car sales in January compared to the year prior, continuing economic uncertainty, potential outcome between the United States and Iraq and, of course, the brand-new 2003 4Runner. — Ed.


Subject: Lease Question
From: Greg

I am at the tail end of a 36-month lease of a Dodge Durango. My lease limit on mileage was 36,000 and I am currently at about 40,500. The penalty is 15 cents a mile. I've heard that if you lease from the dealer again, they might waive the penalty. I don't plan on leasing from the same Dodge dealer, as I don't plan on leasing another Dodge, but I am interested in a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo — still a Chrysler product. Any chance I would be able to work something out with Chrysler to waive the mileage penalty if I buy another one of its products?

Everything is negotiable. Seriously, you can easily use this as a bargaining chip. You are asking them to credit you with $675. Just make sure they don't make the profit up somewhere else in the deal. In other words, take TMV and reduce it by $675. Good luck. — Ed.


Subject: G35
From: Richard

I was curious why there was a change in opinion regarding the stereo in the G35?

Initially, based on the stereo review for the G35 Sedan, the ergonomics were evaluated to be very poor. Additionally, the sound was still deemed subpar based on the comment that Nissan still possessed superior stereos than their Infiniti counterparts.

Given the change in evaluation, I am uncertain on which review I should base my opinion.

The stereo review of the G35 Sedan was done on the base audio system that provides 120 watts to six speakers and uses a rather crowded head unit in terms of control layout. The G35 Coupe was outfitted with the upgraded Bose audio system, including 160 watts and a double-DIN-sized head unit. The sedan received an overall score of "8.0" while the coupe received a "9.0" due to its improved control layout and sound quality. — Ed.


Subject: Rubicon Follow-Up Test
From: Steve

You article states, "The standard four-wheel ABS-equipped brakes provide decent feel."

The members in the Jeep Wrangler discussion in Town Hall comment that the Rubicon does not come with ABS brakes. Off-roaders don't like ABS and it doesn't seem to be an option for this model.

Thank you, Steve. The Rubicon, as a serious off-road machine, certainly does not have ABS. The mistaken editor has been tasked with driving an ABS-equipped Buick Rendezvous down a 30-degree angle slope of mud and shifting sand. — Ed.


Subject: Infiniti and Quality
From: David

As always, I enjoy reading the road tests offered on Edmunds.com. I have been amused lately, however, by certain inconsistencies. In your latest "First Drive" of the Infiniti FX35 and FX45, you state, that "instead of the money-saving silver-colored plastic many companies are using on the dash area, Infiniti put real aluminum on the center console." You later follow with a statement that this "show(s) that Infiniti is willing to take a 'no compromises' approach to building high-quality cars that move people emotionally." What makes this funny is that the G35 is one of the most egregious examples of using "money-saving silver-colored plastic." Without quibbling over the engineering excellence or emotion exhibited in that car, I think it's fair to say that just about every review of the G35 (which would include my own personal visit to the dealership) faults it for the cheap materials used in the G35 cabin. The low-quality is quite glaring and is hard to stomach after coming from an Audi/VW vehicle, for example. The review of the FX35/45 would appear more well-informed if it at least acknowledged that its quality interior was specific to that vehicle and not necessarily a marque-wide feature. It would also help Infiniti to get the message.

As you noted, everyone (including Edmunds.com) has bashed Infiniti for "cheaping out" when it comes to interior materials. It is this issue that prompted our editor to highlight the fact that Infiniti did not cheap out on the FX45 (a car introduced after the G35). It would appear the company is already getting the message, and we hope the trend continues. — Ed.


Subject: New Vs. Pre-owned Articles
From: Steven

Thank you for your series of literate and useful articles on car buying. (If you are the same Philip Reed who authored the wonderful Bird Dog and Low Rider, it is a pleasure to see how you've applied your knowledge of how the auto sales business works to your fiction.)

I wonder if you would be willing to apply your expertise to the problem of "new vs. pre-owned" that many buyers no doubt face. To use my own case as an example: I have the opportunity to purchase a late-model (2002), relatively low-mileage (18,500) Infiniti I35 from a Nissan dealership which acquired it in a Nissan-sponsored sale. (The car is a refined version of the Nissan Maxima.) The dealership has told me the car is "certified" and has a clean title. The price is between five and seven thousand dollars lower than the TMV price of a new 2003 Infiniti, and this is putting my normally risk-averse disposition to the test. I wonder whether my tendency to think the worst about pre-owned vehicles is misplaced — especially in light of the much touted "certified" status of the vehicle in question, and the fact that it is still under warranty from Infiniti. (Massachusetts lemon law would also apply.) In your opinion, does the fact that a pre-owned vehicle is being sold by a dealership and "certified" provide good protection for the reasonably prudent buyer?

Many thanks for any observations you may care to make, and once again my gratitude for your fine series of articles.

Here at Edmunds.com we owned a certified used VW Passat and had very good luck with it (it had 19,000 miles on it when we bought it). We drove the Passat for 30,000 miles with only a minor electrical problem. Yes, we're very much in favor of certified used cars as long as they come with a factory warranty (you can usually get a brochure that details the certification program). In general, we believe that buying a used car is a terrific way to save money — unless you have to be the first on your block with the latest wheels. — Ed.


Subject: Power Steering
From: David

My aunt just bought the new BMW 330i and doesn't like the power steering it has. She says it is too tough to maneuver. It is called an Engine-Speed-Sensitive Variable-Assist-Power Steering. What in the world is that?

That is a fancy way of saying that when the car is traveling at low speeds (like in a parking lot) the power steering is supposed to be boosted for easier operation, but at higher speeds the boost cuts back to provide more resistance and road feel to enhance the driving experience. However, BMWs tend to have rather heavy steering at low speeds compared to other luxury makes. BMW tried to change this on its 2001 models by boosting the power steering, but the company was quickly scorned by its core customers as selling out to nondriving enthusiasts. Here is a direct quote from our test of a 2001 BMW 330i:

Why did BMW alter what many consider to be the 3 Series' strongest feature, perfect steering, while leaving the ever fussy clutch/shifter design alone? For our purposes, we'll take the fussy clutch and the heavy steering because both offer a more passionate experience when exploring the 3 Series' ultimate abilities. But to dumb down the steering feedback just to appease some owners, most of them probably buying a 3 Series more for the hood emblem than the car's "ultimate driving machine" aspects, seems like a bad call. Better to simply redirect these people to the Lexus ES 300.