Q. When do you think completely driverless cars will be at local showrooms? — E.N. (via Internet) 

A. Don’t hold your breath. 



Q. What’s the wildest relatively affordable exotic car, but I’m not talking about something like a $200,000-plus Ferrari or Lamborghini. — J.M. (via Internet)

A. It’s the low-slung, futuristic-looking BMW i8, which is a 357-369 horsepower (depending on model) gas/electric hybrid. A real head-turner, it will do 0-60 m.p.h. in 4 seconds and reportedly top out at 154 m.p.h. The $148,495 coupe has swing-up doors. The slightly more powerful new roadster version is $164,295, but I’d go with the coupe for the raciest styling. There’s hardly any rear-seat room and a bit too much plastic in the interior, but only the new (slightly faster) Acura NSX comes close to the i8 for styling appeal. 



Q.What’s the lowest-priced really affordable collector car out there? — G.W. (via internet)

A. The 1960s rear-engine Chevrolet Corvair, especially the super-sleek 1965 to 1969 models with their Corvette-style rear suspension. However the 1964 Corvair Monza Spyder with the original boxier Corvair styling, racy interior and improved rear suspension also is a good buy. Watch out for rust, though, and avoid temperamental turbocharged models. Opt for those with a stick shift and four carburetors. Most Corvairs have been neglected so It’s good to have a Corvair-familiar mechanic look at one. 



Q. Did the incredibly popular 1960-80 British MGB sports car ever come with an automatic transmission, especially the 1970 model? — R.P. (via Internet)

A. The four-cylinder MGB had a manual transmission. However, there was a short-lived 1967-69 MG C with a six-cylinder engine from the discontinued Austin Healey with an available automatic, which was a $1,000 deduct. The MG C has poor handling, compared to the four-cylinder model, and thus isn’t much fun to drive. 



Q. The sharply styled 2019 Chevrolet Blazer SUV has caught my eye. What do you think of it? — E.M. (via Internet)

A. Its designed was inspired by the sporty Chevy Camaro, but it’s slow with the base Ecotec turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That makes the optional $1,000 V-6 the only desirable choice. However, the V-6 is noisy, and there isn’t smooth power delivery. Also, the Blazer feels cheap with such things as thin sun visors and marginal plastic trim.



Q. I’m thinking of buying a used Pantera sports car. Should I do it? Its sleek Italian body looks great and its Ford V-8 engine promises reliability. — G.R. (via Internet)

A. Have a mechanic check it over. The first Panteras sent here had quality problems. Quality of the Pantera, sold in the u.S. from 1971-74, gradually improved, so opt for the latest model you can find. Also, many Panteras that weren’t modified generally were given acceptable owner improvements as the years passed, thus eliminating many of the flaws of the earlier models. 

Q. What small trucks with good economy are coming? — P.S. (viaInternet)

A. Two are the Lexus UX 200 and Hyundai Kona.



Q. Do you think Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln division has any chance of succeeding? — E.G. (via Internet)

A. Ford is abandoning sedans, so where does that leave the Lincoln Continental and MKZ, which are based on the disappearing Ford Fusion sedan? Lincoln SUVs and crossovers might survive, but the future of this upscale Ford Motor brand is a question mark. It’d be a shame to see it disappear.




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