Letters to the Editors
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Subject: "Online Car-Buying Fraud"
From: Robert
Just read about online fraud on Edmunds. I received three letters from out of the country similar to the one you mentioned. They claim to have a client that wants to buy the car, and said they'd send $6,000 more than asking price to cover shipping costs. All I had to do, they said, was to send my full name, address and phone number ASAP. Thanks for alerting me to this issue.

Subject: "We Test the Tips — What Really Saves Gas? And How Much?"
From: Cathy
I've been driving to conserve gas for a long time, and was pleased to see some of my practices approved in Philip Reed and Mike Hudson's article on fuel economy. Something I've wondered about: I do a lot of driving in the outskirts of a small town, where the speed limit is typically about 45. I can hear my car's automatic transmission switch gears right around 40-43 mph (depending on the temperature).

Does it save more gas to drive just below 40 mph (lower gear, more revs), or just above 43 (higher gear, fewer revs)?

Always follow the speed limit for safety. But for fuel economy the higher gear (and lower rev) will save you gas. — Ed.

Subject: Super Bs vs. 1998 Civic
From: Randall
I don't get it. Why are the new "super B" class cars (Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Toyota Versa) slower and less fuel-efficient than my 1998 5-speed Civic Hatchback? For example, using data from your Web site and your Full Test article of the Honda Fit:

	1998 Honda Civic (manual)	2007 Honda Fit (manual)
Acceleration (0-60 mph):	8.6 sec	9.3 sec
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway):	32/37	33/38

Although the EPA mileage estimates are slightly higher for the Fit than the older Civic, the Full Test article states, "Our average for the test period was 32 mpg." I have kept track of my mileage from the very first tank on my '98 Civic and have averaged 35.7 mpg! (I think I drive it fairly hard, too.) I drove over 1400 highway miles on my last vacation and averaged over 40 mpg! (Generally driving 5 mph over the speed limit.) I realize the overall design of the Fit is a leap forward, but in terms of acceleration and fuel-efficiency it seems like a step back.

Edmunds.com is a great information source. Keep up the good work! Thanks.

Subject: "How To Read A Car Ad"
From: Melody
Phillip Reed has an article titled "How to Read a Car Ad." In the article, it states that if a car is advertised at a certain price, the dealer is legally bound to sell it at that price. Please let me know where he obtained his information. I found a car advertised for $5. The dealer is refusing to sell it to me at that price. I would like to know what my options are from here.

Unfortunately, we can't cite chapter and verse. Furthermore, state laws vary somewhat. The spirit of the law is that cars must be sold at the advertised price if they are still available. And we do know that dealers are careful about this. In one case, we heard of a car being advertised for "500 bananas." Someone showed up with a truckload of bananas and they got the car. We have another friend who when he asked about a car advertised for sale was told it was too much trouble to pull it out. He said, "Maybe my lawyer could convince you to show it and sell it to me." He got the car at the advertised below-market price. You will have a battle getting the car for $5 but it might be possible. Still, is it the best car you can find? Or do you just want to prove a point? — Ed.

Subject: "Grease is the Word, or, How I Taught My Diesel to Drink Veggie Oil and Love It"
From: Tony
Really enjoyed your article on converting your VW to biodiesel. Awesome.

Subject: Leasing
From: Cora
My dad just passed a few days ago. He was holding a lease through Lexus Financial. Where can I obtain laws or advice regarding what actions need to be taken? Specifically, is there any way I can get out of the lease?

Thank you for your consideration.

It depends on who signed the contract. If it was your father only, you can probably return the car and end the lease. If you, or your mother signed it, you are bound to finish the lease. A similar situation happened to my sister, whose husband died. She was forced to make all the payments. Your best bet is to read the contract thoroughly and then call the lease company, not the dealer. In some cases you might make a deal with them for an early exit from the lease. — Ed.

Subject: Honda Pilot Odometer Tolerance
From: Steve
We just purchased a new 2006 Honda Pilot. On our first highway trip I noticed the odometer read approximately 4 percent farther than I actually drove, having made this long trip several times in other family cars.

The dealer test-drove the car and confirmed the higher reading vs. mile marker measurement. He said the difference of 2.0 percent was within the 3.5 percent "tolerance" allowed by Honda.

Have you heard of such a tolerance and should I demand that it be corrected?

We have never heard of this "tolerance" and doubt it exists. Ask the dealer to show it to you in print. This 4 percent difference, over time, will be significant and indicate a higher mileage, and lower value, for your vehicle. By the way, did you put on a different tire size? This can sometimes account for the difference. — Ed.

Subject: "Buying Tips"
From: Steven
Thank you for the excellent article, "Buying Tips." It would seem that zero-percent financing makes a purchase a no-brainer, given the three options you discussed. Do you agree?

Not in every case. Actually, if you do the math, the cash rebates will generally save you more money. However, in today's climate, you can sometimes get both. Then it is a no-brainer — if it's also the right car for you. — Ed.

Subject: Lease Buyout
From: Aryeh
If I decide to go ahead and buy my vehicle at the end of the lease, do I have to pay sales tax all over again? Thanks.

You have been paying sales tax with every monthly payment. So, at the time of the buyout, you only have to pay sales tax on the remaining value of the car. However, tax laws are not well understood and sometimes buyers have been taxed twice. To keep it simple, just remember that you pay sales tax (depending on your state) as if it is a used car. If your buyout is $15,000, you are taxed on that amount. — Ed.

Subject: "Top 10 Automotive Creature Comforts for 2006"
From: Greg
With regard to your "Top 10 Automotive Creature Comforts for 2006," rain-sensing windshield wipers (not on your list) have to be one of the best options ever. Navigation systems are the most overrated option. Most people I know never use their navigation systems. How many times do you actually go someplace you've never been before or don't know how to get there anyway? Rain-sensing windshield wipers are just about the greatest convenience. My only experience is with the ones in VWs. They work like magic! I never would have thought that much about them if I had not experienced them. Now, I don't want a car without them.