The Wall Street Journal-20080123-Me - My Car
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Me & My Car
[Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about automobiles]
Q: I am thinking about getting a Smart car to use for short errands. I am retired, don't plan to use it on the highway and don't drive much. Thoughts?
-- Hugh Schaefer, Santa Fe, N.M.
A: I think the Smart is a neat, stylish machine that provides about as much vehicle as many drivers need. Sounds like you and the Smart may be a good match.
Many buyers have balked at the idea of purchasing a Smart because its small size makes them feel especially vulnerable on the highway or in collisions with larger vehicles. But for in-town driving, a tiny car like the Smart makes a lot of sense because of its high fuel efficiency (estimated 33/41 city/highway) and maneuverability compared with the typical family car or SUV. Yes, most accidents happen close to home, but using a small, light and efficient car for local driving is a step forward that more motorists should consider.
Q: My wife was advised to replace the tires on her Lexus SC 430. I suggested she buy regular tires rather than the standard "run flats" that ride like wagon wheels and cost $400 each. She says her trunk is too small for a spare. I say put a small donut spare in the trunk. Who's right?
-- J. Daniel Ballard, Norfolk, Va.
A: I think you're right -- mostly. While auto manufacturers advise against doing so, swapping your Lexus's run-flat tires for standard ones is a good way to improve its ride. But your wife also has a point. While a small "donut" spare tire will fit in the trunk, it will still take up space in a trunk where cargo space is already at a premium. I think you'll also have to find a jack and a lug-nut wrench for wheel removal in case of a flat tire.
The bottom line is that for some drivers, myself included, who think run-flats are an unnecessary expense and hassle, getting rid of them can be rewarding. But for others (your wife included, perhaps) using standard tires on cars that were designed around run-flats may be more trouble than it is worth.
Q: Now that the Cadillac CTS has had a major makeover, when should we expect similar makeovers for STS and DTS?
-- George Campbell, St. Petersburg, Fla.
A: We expect Cadillac to roll out a new rear-wheel flagship model to replace both the DTS and STS1, but not for about three years. Meanwhile, the 2008 STS2 received a mild restyling of its front grille and other details that accentuate its family resemblance to the newer CTS sport sedan and Escalade SUV.
