Q–A few months ago I embarked on what I thought would be a simple task, buy a convertible with front-wheel-drive. There evidently is no such animal, despite conflicting reports from two Toyota salesmen. Can you steer me to a FWD convertible and tell me why automakers think convertible drivers travel only in the summer? S.L., Glen Ellyn
A–Toyota makes the Celica and Paseo FWD convertibles. Chrysler makes the FWD Sebring convertible, Chevrolet the FWD Cavalier convertible, Pontiac the FWD Sunfire convertible.
If a salesman said his company doesn’t make FWD convertibles, he fibbed, probably hoping to sell you a car he had on his lot and not one he had to search for.
If a salesman said his company makes convertibles, but they are hard to find at this time of the year, he told the truth. Convertibles are bought in the spring and summer, 4WD sport-utility vehicles in the fall and winter.
Dealers don’t stock up on convertibles in the fall and have them sit gathering snow in the winter, just like they don’t stock up on 4x4s in July and have them gather dust in the summer.
When you do find a convertible, point to the calendar and remind the dealer that this isn’t May and he soon stands to risk having a droptop in his showroom until then. If he won’t budge on price, wait till May.
Historically, more convertibles are sold in Chicagoland than anywhere else in the country because our weather allows open-top motoring from spring (drop the top and turn up the heat) through summer (drop the top and turn on the air) and fall (drop the top and crank up the heat again), whereas in the Sun Belt and on the West Coast you’ll cook your dome if you drop the top in summer.
Q–Illinois is known for nitpicking, nuisance-type motor vehicle laws, one of which is the compulsory auto liability insurance statute. Who needs liability insurance?
If you have a financial net worth, you’d be foolish to risk operating your auto without liability protection. This means that everyone who needs it, has it. It doesn’t make sense for thousands of indigent drivers to buy $500 worth of insurance to operate their $500 automobiles. And how can a judge collect fines of $50 to $500 from these people, much less sentence them to jail? The law is defective, unnecessary and should be repealed. T.O., New Lenox
A–And isn’t it odd that, in a state that requires liability insurance, insurance companies sell underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage so your insurance pays if someone is without liability coverage. So, those with liability insurance buy it for those without or with too little.
Q–Didn’t you once say Isuzu was bringing back the Amigo for 1998? T.L., Naperville
A–A new compact Rodeo sport-ute, a new full-size Trooper sport-ute and a new Amigo two-door compact sport-ute arrive from Isuzu for 1998–Rodeo now, Trooper by year-end, Amigo after the first of the year after a preview at the Detroit Auto Show. Word is the new Amigo will be powered by a V-6 engine, offer four-wheel-drive and be priced at $20,000 or less.
Q–Had to comment about your experiences with the truck-driving school (Transportation, June 15). Thanks. It opened my eyes to the problems truckers deal with every day and explained why some of them act the way they do. Some truckers still scare the bejabbers out of me, but, on the whole, my respect has increased. N.R., La Grange
A–The school opened our eyes, too. You appreciate what truckers go through when you drive a mile in their boots.
Q–You’ve suggested that General Motors allow holders of the GM credit card to use the credit accumulated for payment toward service and products at the dealership. Great idea, especially among us senior citizens who don’t purchase cars very often, but who would regularly use dealer service departments if the prices weren’t so high versus neighborhood mechanics. I called the GM-Card representative and he said if enough people made such a request, GM certainly would consider it. L.D., Skokie
A–The credit card states that it’s the “GM-Card,” not the “GM-Buy a new car, truck or van” card, and as such should be used to pay for anything under the GM name. That includes the purchase of a new or used car, especially now that GM has introduced a factory-certified used-vehicle pilot program in Chicagoland, or for service, maintenance, parts or whatever it takes to get customers in the door and allow them to walk out the door with a smile on their faces. If you feel the same, take out your GM-Card and call the 1-800 number and suggest that the program be expanded.
———-
Send your questions about cars and trucks to Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune, 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 135, Vernon Hills, Ill. 60061-1523.
