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Experts Q&A

Any chance you may be checkin...
June 30, 2011
Chuck Giametta

Any chance you may be checking on the new Golf tdi, or Suburu Impreza, in the near future? Is there any possibility of another company (besides VW) bringing a small diesel engine into the U.S. in the near future?

I seem to recall reading, somewhere, that VW replaced their wiring harness supplier with the same supplier that Toyota uses. If this is true, might it improve VW's reliability?

I am sitting on the fence bet...
July 2, 2011
Chuck Giametta

I am sitting on the fence between purchasing a new Honda Accord 2009 or 2010. As I understand it, the difference is $1,500, blue tooth, and rear AC controls. I am trying to find out whether there are any other benefits to the 2010 Honda Accord or concerns. I have heard of issues with the rear braking system but have been unable to find any in depth reviews. Please offer me your own professional opinion.

Will the 2010 Honda Odyssey h...
July 2, 2011
Chuck Giametta

Will the 2010 Honda Odyssey have remote start?

Why do you feel that the next...
July 2, 2011
Chuck Giametta

Why do you feel that the next generation, new model of the Toyota RAV4 will appear for 2012? The current model of the Toyota RAV4 first appeared in 2006. Toyota’s previous pattern for next generation, new model is 5 years. If they continue with this pattern, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, the next generation will appear for 2011. I would like to know why you feel, it will be 2012. I want to get a RAV4, for the 4WD and can wait a year, but not 2 years.

July 2, 2011
Chuck Giametta

Will the 2010 Toyota Venza have other colors available for the interior?

How much does cold weather af...
July 2, 2011
Chuck Giametta

How much does cold weather affect the performance of hybrid cars?

Trying to decide between a 20...
July 2, 2011
Chuck Giametta

Trying to decide between a 2007 Jetta S automatic for $13k in good condition with 33,000 miles and a new Golf TDI automatic. Which one is the better buy--thinking about quality, reliability, gas mileage, safety, and any other criteria?

Other possible choices are a new 2009 Civic LX automatic,the Honda Fit sport and the Nissan Versa. I like either sedans or hatchbacks.

Seems like you lean toward th...
July 2, 2011
Chuck Giametta

Seems like you lean toward the Golf I mentioned. With respect to that, I have one other question: do you think that Volkswagen buyers (not leasers, since there's a tax credit for those financing) end up paying through the roof after the warranty expires and when you have to pay out of pocket for repairs to a German-made car whose reliability record is in question? Has VW at all improved on their reliability, and if not, what is it about such cars that make them less reliable? Are such cars overly sensitive because of their sophisticated machinery?

I'm a retired 67-year-old wid...
July 2, 2011
Chuck Giametta

I'm a retired 67-year-old widow who is torn between a new RAV 4 (V-6) and a New Hyundai Santa Fe.(V-6)

My bottom-line requirements are AWD, AC, enough power to enter and exit I-95 without nail-biting , and safety since my 6-year-old grandson sometimes travels in my car.

I was going to get a RAV 4 but Hyundai has some terrific incentives on the Santa Fe until September 30, 2009 and my local mechanics are inclined to think the Santa Fe is better value.

I've read your remarks on both vehicles at Iguida.com.

So which one would you suggest for my purposes?

Is there an estimated release...
July 29, 2011
Ben Maddrell

Is there an estimated release date for the 2012 Elantra Touring? We've seen the Elantra sedan and hatch, but no one has the Touring yet.