Where’s My Loaner?

Q: I just learned that my brother-in-law got a free loaner car from GM earlier this year when his car was recalled in the huge, notorious faulty ignition switch recall. I also have a GM that was recalled but got no loaner car. How’s that? A: You had to ask to get a free loaner car. Seriously. There was a bit of press coverage about the fact that GM would give free loaner cars, but only if the customer requested one. The loaners were made available in no small measure because of the weeks-long time lag in the announcement of the problem and the eventual arrival of replacement parts to GM service departments. As the number of recalls (from many manufacturers) grows, and the time lag for fixes does, too, in many cases, it pays to think about what you want for your trouble if you’re on a recall list, and to politely ask. Also, GM, in that recall, was willing to give a $500 cash allowance toward the purchase of a new GM vehicle to any owners of the recalled vehicles who had lost confidence and simply didn’t feel comfortable driving that particular car any more. Readers speak out. A few readers chided me for my recent response regarding Ford Fusion Energi mileage vs. Ford Fusion Hybrid mileage, saying that while my answer was correct, I shortchanged readers by not giving more comprehensive information. The readers were, as (almost) always, correct! Forthwith, I share the most succinct of the reader comments, which expands the mpg information about the two vehicles: “I realize that, technically, you were referring to just the two EPA ratings (of the Ford Fusion Energi vs. Ford Fusion Hybrid).  However, in the interest of educating your fans, the Energi EPA rating of 43 mpg cannot be considered as comparable, because you have to factor in the electric only rating as well - 100 mpg.” This same gentleman also suggested I should have made mention of the government’s website, www.fueleconomy.gov, to which regular readers know I often refer. It’s always worth reminding everyone again, however, that the site exists, as it provides a wealth of information. What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ctwfeatures.com.