Like a Lexus?

Q: We’re looking at a Lexus ES 300h. What are the most logical competitors for us to test drive? A: I’d suggest these two - hybrids, of course, just as is the Lexus you’re considering: the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid sedan (somewhat more expensive than the Lexus you’re looking at) and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid (somewhat less expensive). Q: All the recent recalls have raised this question in my mind: carmakers have to send out recall notices, but how many of the cars that are recalled actually get fixed? A: Interestingly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only about one-third of the vehicles subject to recall are actually repaired. Some people never receive the notifications; some just don’t bother. That, of course, can be hazardous not just for the current owner, but for anyone who buys the vehicle at a later date. There’s an easy way now to find out if there’s a recall on a car you own or are considering buying. If you go to NHTSA’s safercar.gov site, you can type in the vehicle identification number for the one you own now or are considering buying, and learn if there’s an open recall. A reader comments: “You should tell your readers to make sure they know the precise age of the new tires they buy. The tires we bought just six years ago, and put only about 20,000 miles on, were almost completely worn out last month. We learned, when we went to get new ones, that they were actually almost four years old when we bought them. That’s why they had to be replaced years earlier than we’d anticipated. Please warn people.” Done. Tires have a Department of Transportation number on them, a date code that tells you when the tire was manufactured. The last four digits in the number signify the week and year the tire was manufactured. Most experts say you shouldn’t buy a tire that was made more than two years ago, as rubber degrades over time, even when it’s not being driven on, and the life you get from that older tire could be significantly shorter than one that was made last week or last month. 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.