Q. I’m reading that,
contrary to public opinion, more younger drivers want to learn how to
drive “stick shift,” with a manual
transmission and clutch instead of driving a clutchless automatic
transmission vehicle. — Gary R. (via Internet)
A. Hyundai apparently is one
automaker that thinks so. It’s offering its 2018 Elantra GT
Sport with a six-speed manual transmission and clutch. I’ve
driven the new GT Sport with the manual transmission and found it has a
very smooth shifter and easily worked clutch. Moreover, it’s
got a turbocharged engine with more horsepower (201) and a multilink
rear suspension for better handling—not to mention such
features as leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch
display ready for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Q. I
think one reason many car buyers hate to buy a new vehicle at a
dealership is because many dealership sales terms are foreign to them.
For instance, what is a dealer “holdback,” which I
doubt is a word dealership sales persons mention to potential buyers.
Sure, they’ll say they’ll sell you a car
“at invoice,” making you feel as if
you’re getting a great deal. So where does the
“holdback” come in?” — H.J.
(via Internet)
A. “Holdback” is a portion of the difference
between the sticker price and the invoice price an automaker holds back
when the dealership buys a vehicle—and then returns to the
dealership later (for instance, quarterly) after the vehicle is sold.
The amount is usually expressed as a percentage of the sticker price.
Remember that a dealership has many expenses and wouldn’t be
there to sell you a vehicle if it didn’t make profits.
Q. One problem of car leasing
is that
people don’t bother much with vehicle maintenance,
particularly tire care, knowing they’re going to return a
leased car in a few years and likely get a new one. With Labor Day
coming fast, what are some things motorists should keep in mind to stay
safe on the road? — J.H. (via Internet)
A. According to the Michelin tire folks, drivers are 3 times less
likely to check tire conditions during summer, despite the fact that
heat (usually from under-inflated tires) is a prime tire enemy.
Michelin spokesperson Jashel Jones says Michelin feels that 75 percent
of drivers falsely think summer has fewer accidents than other times of
the year. Why? Because 2 in 3 drivers feel safer driving in summer,
citing better road conditions and weather. One reason is that
drivers are 3 times less likely to be alert and focused on immediate
surroundings while driving in summer, compared to winter.
Q.
Automobile magazine says the 2018 Dodge Challenger Demon (starting at
$84,995) does 0-60 m.p.h. in 2.3 seconds with 840 horsepower and that
the 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast, which costs approximately $333,275,
rockets from 0-60 m.p.h. in 2.8 seconds with its 789-horsepower engine.
So why bother buying the Ferrari? —F.C. (via Internet)
A. I see your point, but there’s more to a car than sheer
horsepower and a blazing 0-60 m.p.h. time. Then again, why not get the
2018 650-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE with a track package for
merely $69,995. It’s essentially a race car for the street. I
don’t know its 0-60 m.p.h. time yet, but you just know
it’s got to be great. And the Camaro’s handling
doubtlessly tops that of the Dodge Demon. Finally, a Dodge is a Dodge,
a Chevrolet is a Chevrolet and a Ferrari is a Ferrari. That means a lot
to some people (with lots of money).
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