Letters to the Editors
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Subject: "How to Get a Used Car Bargain"
From: Shirley
I am planning to buy a car, and I found your article interesting, practical and helpful.

I have a question about buying vehicles that were formerly rental cars. These cars were usually in service for one or two years, offer low mileage and a low price. However, all my friends have warned me against buying a former rental car. Some have said that a mileage of 20,000 on a former rental car is equal to a mileage of 80,000 on a privately owned car.

I really want to know how true it is. What are the pros and cons, and how can I minimize my risks?

You have to remember that it is in the best interest of the rental car company to make sure that its fleet is well-maintained and in the best possible shape. As a result, there will probably be some great bargains on rental car lots. But there probably will be some lemons, too. Our advice is not to rule out this avenue if you're shopping for a used vehicle. However, you'll probably want to have a qualified third party inspect the vehicle you've chosen before you sign on the dotted line. For more information on this topic, see our story "Used Car Deals: Program Cars, Rental Cars and Salvage Titles."— Ed.


Subject: "Going Keyless"
From: Paul
You forgot to mention that many tall people can't stand having their legs bump into keys that stick out or dangle from the ignition. Having keyless start would solve all the world's problems and create world peace, in my opinion.

I hope everyone starts using it. Keys are like having manual windows and doors. We had people on the moon in the '70s, for crying out loud! Why do we still have manual anything?

Thanks for your article. Is it possible to get this kind of option installed aftermarket on my VW Rabbit?

Keyless entry is available as an aftermarket option, but to our knowledge, keyless start can't be installed aftermarket. — Ed.


Subject: "Driving Skills for Life: Crash Course"
From: Jerry
I loved the article on teen driving and defensive driving schools. It was well written, enjoyable to read and very enlightening coming from a 17-year-old's perspective. Boy, do I wish all teens could have the experience of a defensive driving school. Maybe it will become mandatory someday.

Nonetheless, great idea for an article. Parents and teens need to read this! Kudos to Ms. Roy for sharing her experience and to Edmunds.com for publishing it for all of us site visitors to read.

Love your Web site!


Subject: "Driving Skills for Life: Crash Course"
From: Melanie
Just a note to tell you I really enjoyed the article by Emma Roy on driving schools. It was well written and informative. Thanks for taking the time to share a teen's point of view.


Subject: Airbag Safety
From: Nancy
I own a 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis GS, and purchased this car used this past summer. I have a concern and am hoping you can help me with this issue.

I am a 44-year-old woman, good health, but only 5 feet tall and weigh 110 pounds. My concern is with the airbag in my steering wheel. What types of accidents cause the deployment of the airbags? Also, there is a front passenger airbag, and sometimes I travel with my little 14-pound terrier. If she jumps and lands or puts her paws on this device, will it deploy?

The airbag in your steering wheel is a front airbag. These are designed to deploy only in frontal or frontal-offset collisions. The airbags contain sensors that tell them to deploy when a collision takes place. The minimum threshold for deployment is usually the equivalent of your hitting a parked car head-on at about 28 mph. For more information on airbags, see our story titled "The Evolution of Front Airbags."

Your airbag won't deploy if your terrier jumps on it. Still, like children, dogs are safest traveling in the rear seat. In the event of an accident, the force from the deployment of the airbag in your 1999 vehicle could injure your pet. See our story titled "Top 10 Tips for Traveling With Dogs" for more information on how to travel safely with your terrier. — Ed.


Subject: "How to Change Your Brake Pads"
From: Kenya
I just wanted to say that the information you presented on changing brakes made me more confident to do it myself. Usually, as a female, car mechanics seem like something from a very foreign world. But the way you've explained things made this task easy and enjoyable. Thanks!


Subject: "2007 Editors' Most Wanted"
From: Ed
I strongly agree that the 2007 most wanted car list is "guided by passion, not science" and "love for the car overruled common sense" in your selection process.

I am probably in the minority of Americans because I judiciously shop for a new car on the basis of comfort, reliability, service and total cost of ownership. These factors play a much larger role in my decision-making process than the thrill of being able to go around a corner a few miles per hour faster.

It is your "most wanted" car list and I applaud you for your choices but just wanted to let you know that there are those of us who do prefer reliability over glamour or what I would equate as substance over form.

What do I drive? If you are interested, a 1998 Toyota Sienna XLE, a 2000 Lexus RX 300 AWD and a 2006 Lexus RX 330 AWD with navigation, etc. All three vehicles were purchased new and have been an absolute pleasure to own and have only been to the dealer for routine maintenance procedures. As much as I considered purchasing Mercedes or BMW products, I could not get beyond the "black circles" for reliability and maintenance, nor do I like the ride and seats, which seem harsh and uncomfortable to me. But hey, to each his own.

Thanks for having a great and informative Web site that I visit with some regularity. Keep up the good work!