Letters to the Editors
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Subject: "Diesel Reborn"
From: Aled

It is very regrettable that Mr. Chameides' article about diesel fails to address three major failings of diesel. He makes no mention of PM10s, which have been proved to be a major factor in the growth of asthma among children, secondly the noise that diesel vehicles make, and finally the smell that they create. He claims they are quiet. From the inside, maybe, but other folks have to put up with their noise.

One of the reasons I settled in the U.S. from Europe was to get away from the smell of diesel and the noise. Diesels require regular servicing, and this is not happening in Europe. The result is that the traditional black smoke emitted is always a danger, and if diesel cars become prevalent here, I fear the same may happen. I support the States that forbid selling diesel cars. I know that gasoline-powered vehicles are harmful, but adding diesel vehicles is not the solution. The country should find ways to force the existing diesel vehicles to clean up their act.

One final thought, why do drivers of diesel vehicles leave their engines running while they pop into the store or such places? The noise and the smell are awful.

Aled,

Let me begin by thanking you for not only taking the time to read my article, but to offer up your feedback as well. I greatly appreciate hearing from you and wanted to address some of the failings that you found with my article.

Concerning particulate matter I actually did discuss this by pointing out that the new clean diesel campaign will require diesel vehicles to meet the same Tier 2 emissions standards as gasoline vehicles do. The new engines will contain particulate matter traps (also mentioned in the article) that will allow this to become a reality. So, new diesels will no longer spit out asthma-causing particulate matter in any greater amount than gasoline cars do, thus making them no worse or better. An argument could be made that even the small amount that both of them create is bad (and I am one to argue this point by the way), but in comparison, one will not be any worse than the other. In addition, the use of biodiesel in older and newer diesels will result in a huge reduction of particulate matter (almost completely) which allows even older diesels to clean up their acts a bit.

You mention that diesels require regular servicing and that perhaps the folks in Europe do not take care of this as often as they should. I don't know much about this, having never lived outside of the U.S., but it seems to me that any vehicle requires regular servicing in order to run at optimum performance and efficiency. Ironically enough, newer diesels actually require less maintenance than gasoline engines do due to the nature of the engines. That said, I don't think it's fair to fault a vehicle based on the owner's shortcomings. I've seen many gasoline cars that belch smoke, but my beef is with their owners, not with gasoline engines themselves.

I did mention that diesels were significantly quieter than they have been in the past simply because they are. You are correct in pointing out that they are noisier outside than they are inside, but if you have pulled up alongside a newer diesel, you'd notice that they are not as loud as some newer gasoline cars are (I have noticed this myself from time to time) and are certainly quieter than most of the newer trucks I see on the road. Ironically enough, most of the people who have been near my car while it's running have often asked to make sure that it was a diesel due to the same recollections that you have of older loud engines. All of that said, perhaps I should have mentioned that diesels will, in many cases, still be slightly louder than their gasoline counterparts, and I thank you for pointing out the possible oversight.

As for the smell of diesels, I didn't address it simply because it is not really an issue. The article was about new clean diesels, not older ones, which I truly would not advocate as a whole, and the newer engines do not smell any better or worse than a gasoline engine. I drive a 2001 Golf which is not even as clean as the newer cars will be, and when running on diesel it emits no significant odor. I run my car on biodiesel and most people actually think it smells sweet. I should also point out that the only time my car smokes is if I drop it down about two gears and gun the engine, and then only a minor amount.

Finally, I'm not sure about people leaving regular cars "dieseling" as it is called, but I do know that big rigs tend to do this due to the significant energy loss and engine wear that is caused by frequent starting and stopping. Cars have such smaller engines that this is really not an issue. I've never heard of anyone doing this with a newer diesel, but perhaps in Europe this is a common practice. That said, I see no rational reason for it.

I hope that this serves to clear things up a bit and thank you again for taking the time to comment.

All the best,

Dave Chameides


Subject: Average Joe?
From: Don

How is the typical new car purchased? When I watch a car commercial on TV about a model that is targeted toward average families, then I sneak down to the lot early Sunday morning to check out sticker prices, I am blown away on what new-car buyers pay for new cars. I am very curious what the average down payment is — what the typical loan balance is, how many years the average loan is, etc. I can remember a day back in the '80s when I heard about a friend getting a 60-month loan on a new car. I thought he'd just sold his soul to the devil! In simple calculations I won't be able to buy anything worth owning for less than $25K to $30K financed for less than 60 months. I am a 47-year-old husband and father of two that obviously has not been keeping up with the Jones family very well. Thanks very much for any info you can provide. Keep up the great work; you have the best car Web site out there.

Yes, car prices are mind-boggling, particularly in relationship to the earning power of most Americans. Rather than quote you a bunch of statistics it might be more helpful to briefly outline what Edmunds believes is the best way to buy or lease a car. First, your car payment and insurance shouldn't be more than 20 percent of your take-home pay (most people break this rule). If you are buying a car you should put down at least 20 percent and finance for no more than 60 months. In this way you will avoid being "upside down" — own more than the car is worth. If you are leasing you should put down only $1,000 and choose a term of three years or less. That being said, buying a used car will, in the long run, save you mucho dinero. — Ed.


Subject: "We Test the Tips"
From: Glen

An excellent article although I feel it left out an important method of saving not only fuel but also reducing the impact of our vehicles on our environment. That method is the use of synthetic lubricants. I would like to suggest that you look into the savings that can be had by using quality products such as AMSOIL in your vehicles.

We do have a story which touches on synthetic oil. We have yet to test synthetic oil's effects on fuel economy but it's a very good idea. Thanks! — Ed.


Subject: "How to Change Your Brake Pads"
From: Mike

Just a quick note to say thanks for a nice job on "Change Your Brake Pads" I found it very helpful, and it also made me chuckle a little. I haven't done the job yet but after reading your instructions it's not as scary as I thought. I will have your article in my soon-to-be-greasy hands several times before it's done.


Subject: "Certified Used Vehicle Programs"
From: Jan

Your article mentioned that not all cars qualify for pre-owned status, but it never mentioned anything about a damaged or wrecked car. Can they still qualify if they have been wrecked?

Wrecked cars are nearly always excluded from certified pre-owned programs. — Ed.


Subject: Leasing and Tires
From: Dan

I leased a 2004 Cadillac for three years and paid for 45,000 miles. I expect to return the auto with 43,000 miles. The car has always been serviced at Cadillac dealers and is mechanically and visually in great shape. However GMAC tells me that I must return the auto with at least 1/8" tread at on the tires at the lowest point which they are not. I had all wheels aligned, balanced and rotated at 14,500, 29,000 and 36,000 miles. My question is, since original equipment tires are only good for 40/45,000 miles it does not make sense to me that I must replace the tires before I turn it in. Did I not pay for the wear and tear on original equipment? I would be interested in your advice and comments.

Normally you would be driving a maximum of 36,000 miles but now you have extended your contract to include 9,000 extra miles. You've put yourself in a position where the tire warranty and the service requirements are in conflict with each other. Ultimately, that question will be up to the discretion of Cadillac. The argument you present here is persuasive but it would be foolish for us to give a definitive answer. We do feel that, if the rest of the car is in excellent shape, the tires would probably be overlooked. If all else fails, tell them that by waiving extra charges they will retain your customer loyalty. — Ed.


Subject: "Top 10 Best Car Movies"
From: Jeffrey

Seems like the middle-aged Edmunds editors are spending too much time in front of the TV with their kids as they watch Cars for the umpteenth time. Sorry, but I believe you foolishly dodged the Bullitt on this one.


Subject: "Top 10 Most Fabulous Key Fobs"
From: Emanuel

Your list overlooked the VW's key fob. I think you missed a nice-looking key. The new VW key is a masterpiece.