August 19, 2008
I'm up in Canada this week, and while driving through Toronto I happened to notice a new Mercedes-Benz C230. In the States, we only get the C300, C350 and C63, but Canada gets those plus the C230, featuring a 201-horsepower 2.5-liter V6 that gets a tiny bit better gas mileage than the 228-hp C300 (20.45 mpg versus 20.10 in Canadian testing). Of course, given that cars cost more in Canada, it's highly likely that Canadians are just more inclined to pay less for a less powerful Mercedes-Benz. But given the economy, wouldn't an increasing number of Americans be willing to do so now?
In addition to the C230, there's the 228-hp E300 4Matic (all non-AMG E-Class are all-wheel drive in Canada), the 335-hp S450 4Matic, and the B200 and B200 Turbo. I'd say the last two are the most intriguing, as the B-Class is a funky-looking hatch that gets 25 mpg city in its 134-hp four-cylinder form. For those looking for a premium, fuel efficient car, the B-Class could find some takers -- although it's certainly expensive. I've seen a couple around Toronto, but not enough to lead me to believe it would be a hit in the United States.
What do you think? Are smaller, slightly more fuel efficient engines installed in subsequently cheaper cars a smart move for premium car makers like Mercedes-Benz? And does the B-Class have a shot?
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
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- JRiz August 19, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Buying New Cars, Fuel Economy, Question of the Week
July 17, 2008
I recently received a question from a reader asking if they should repair body damage on their vehicle before bringing it in to a dealer for trade-in or appraisal. After consulting with several used car managers and appraisers, the answer was a bit surprising. It turns out that what is best for the consumer is not really the best thing for the dealer.
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- Lee Scott July 17, 2008, 3:00 AM
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- Question of the Week
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- appraisal, paint, repair, trade-in
March 2, 2008
We try to cover topics that we think you might find beneficial. However, there may be questions you have that we have not yet answered. So, post questions you would like to have answers to, and we will try to address them in future entries.
What's on your mind?
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- Lee Scott March 2, 2008, 9:39 AM
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- Buying New Cars, Certified Used Cars, Driving, Financing, Fuel Economy, Leasing, Maintenance, Negotiation, Question of the Week, Selling cars, Tip of the Day
January 15, 2008
Question: I am a safety freak when it comes to my young daughters. I see what you have rated the best all-around family vehicle. But I have always wondered and wanted to ask, "What is the all-around safest vehicle?" Monster truck, Civic, Hummer, Accord, what? Thank you for your time!..
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- Lee Scott January 15, 2008, 6:04 AM
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- Buying New Cars, Question of the Week, Tip of the Day
January 3, 2008
Question: Do you recommend single pay leases?
Most buyers are not aware that many of the manufacturer captive finance companies offer what is known as the "one pay lease" or "pre-pay lease." Basically, you pay the entire cost of the lease upfront. In return, the leasing company offers you a discount on the lease rate (which is basically the interest rate). For example, Audi Financial Services will reduce the lease rate by as much as .001 (or 2.4%) if you pre-pay your lease. That rate reduction is about the only benefit you get for paying for the entire lease at the start.
However, there is a major downside with this type of lease. As with putting money down on the lease, if the vehicle is stolen or totalled in an accident, in all likelihood, most (if not all that money) that was paid upfront will best lost. And here's why...
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- Lee Scott January 3, 2008, 4:13 PM
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- Leasing, Question of the Week
December 10, 2007
My father called me this morning asking if I thought he should "sipe" his tires. I didn't know a lot about tire siping except that many of the tire stores offer to sipe tires for an extra fee, from about $10 to $15 per tire. The idea is to cut fine grooves in the tires to add traction.
I asked Dan Edmunds, our director of vehicle test and got this response:
"I have mixed feeling about a lot of aftermarket mods, and siping is no different, really...
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- Philip Reed December 10, 2007, 12:00 PM
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September 10, 2007
I received this question while answering emails for Edmunds and felt so strongly about this subject I wanted to share it with a broader audience.
Question: I have never done this before, but after watching my news last night I feel compelled to do something. It showed a mom in a police interview room emotionally devastated because she had forgotten her two year old was asleep in the back seat of her car and left her there while she was at work. The two year old child died. This is a mom not unlike most of us, working, involved in her community, a good mom who loves her children. I can't even imagine how you go on with your life knowing that you made a mistake and it caused the death of your child. Here is what i would like to know, can't car makers come up with some kind of warning device (similar to the buckle your seat belt reminder) that would buzz or chime to remind people to check their back seat. Maybe a buzz to indicate a seat belt is still engaged, or weight sensitive back seats it can't be too difficult to manufacture, it could even be offered as an option if this device saves the life of even one child, isn't it worth looking into?? Just imagine how your life would be if it ever happened to you isn't there anything that can be done?
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- Lee Scott September 10, 2007, 10:32 AM
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- Question of the Week
