Old Car Theft
Q: We’ve had a rash of car thefts in our neighborhood recently, and they’re all older vehicles, even though many of our neighbors leave their new, fancy cars that are clearly worth much more parked in their driveways overnight, not in garages. Is this just an aberration in our city?
A: Nope. It’s what happens all over the country. Older cars are targeted by thieves more often than new ones.
Why older cars? Many reasons. They’re generally easier to steal because they don’t have the higher-tech. anti-theft devices the new ones have. Also, many experts say, it’s more lucrative for thieves to dismantle a car and sell the parts than it is to try to sell the car to a buyer. The whole-car sale requires attempting to work around the issues of the vehicle identification number and paperwork - awkward when it’s a stolen car.
Cars that have been popular over time - Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, for example - are the most likely to be targeted because there are huge numbers of them on the road and demand for parts for them is high.
But remember this - not all vehicle thefts are perpetrated by professionals who support themselves by regularly chopping up 4- or 6-year old cars and selling the parts. Some car thefts are crimes of opportunity. So don’t be leaving your newer cars unlocked, or with the keys under the mat, or any of the other things that make it simple for a car to disappear.
Q: Can you find out when Subaru will finally offer a hybrid. We’ve had two Subarus and are nearly ready but want a hybrid this time.
A: Subaru has a hybrid now. It’s the XV Crosstrek Hybrid, an all-wheel drive hatchback built on the Impreza platform. The Plain Jane version is about $22,000; the gussied-up versions run up to about $27,000.
Q: I read recently that BMW had inflated fuel economy estimates for some Mini Coopers and the EPA had ordered them to re-do their testing. How often does this happen?
A: In recent years, a handful have had to re-do their posted fuel economy numbers, including Ford, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and BMW.
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.