The Wall Street Journal-20080213-Me - My Car

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Me & My Car

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[Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about automobiles]

Q: My son is serving in Iraq and looking forward to buying his first car when he gets home. He is interested in buying a used small SUV, focusing on the Toyota FJ and the Nissan Xterra. Thoughts?

-- Bob Schulz, Denver

A: If I had to choose today, I would pick the Xterra -- in part because I think it is cooler than the FJ. I find the Nissan more satisfying to drive because it doesn't apologize for being a truck. Its ride is just choppy enough to remind the driver that he isn't in a car, yet it has plenty of power and carries passengers, groceries and outdoor gear easily. The Toyota's small, rear-hinged rear doors make getting in and out a pain for rear-seat passengers. Its styling is a taste I haven't yet acquired, but many people I know are fond of the FJ's looks.

I was in the military when the last version of the light, narrow Jeep gave way to the heavy, wide Hummer. Each had its advantages, but soldiers typically loved one and disliked the other. For me, the Nissan seems closer to the endearing Jeep while the longer, wider Toyota is more like the Hummer.

Q: Recently, I went to fill my tank with premium fuel and noticed a sticker on the pump: "Contains less than 10% Ethanol." What are the short- and long-term effects on the engine and parts with this blend?

-- James Kobis, Tampa, Fla.

A: The good news is that, according to the Department of Energy, all auto makers approve the use of gasoline blends containing 10% or less of ethanol, called E10. Indeed, many motorists have been using the fuel without realizing it. The bad news: Ethanol delivers less energy than gasoline, so mixing it with gas hurts fuel economy. There is more information about gasoline and alternative fuels like ethanol at www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/ethanol.shtml.

Q: What do you think of the 2008 Lexus LX 570? It is gorgeous and offers optional seats in the back, but I am having trouble getting a chance to test-drive one, given their limited availability.

-- Karen Bean, Albany, N.Y.

A: I recommend the LX 570, as long as cutting your fuel cost isn't part of your strategy. While I haven't driven it, I did recently try out the Toyota Land Cruiser on which the Lexus is based. The Lexus is the same vehicle with a more sophisticated suspension and more luxury and gadgets. I found the Land Cruiser to be surprisingly fun to drive. It is big, powerful and accelerated briskly. Its elevated, comfortable driver's seat makes the driver feel in charge. The downside of the Lexus, maybe, is it is likely to prove a guilty pleasure. With more than 380 horsepower propelling nearly three tons of truck, the fuel economy rating of 12 miles per gallon city and 18 mpg on the highway sounds optimistic.